By Ted JeoryCATTLE, sheep and pigs – and thousands of people – turned out for one of the largest country shows to be held in the region this year.With the demise of the Essex Show this year, Essex Young Farmers claimed their show was now the biggest and best in the county as about 16,000 people poured through the gates at Gardeners Farm, Chelmsford, for yesterday's event.

By Ted Jeory

CATTLE, sheep and pigs – and thousands of people – turned out for one of the largest country shows to be held in the region this year.

With the demise of the Essex Show this year, Essex Young Farmers claimed their show was now the biggest and best in the county as about 16,000 people poured through the gates at Gardeners Farm, Chelmsford, for yesterday's event.

It also marked the welcome return of livestock, following the lifting of movement prohibitions imposed during the foot-and-mouth crisis, although the restrictions on dairy stock remained in place.

The Essex Young Farmers Show has always sought to maintain its strong agricultural link and yesterday's event maintained that with theme of educating people about how the farming industry shapes the environment.

Among the displays on offer were a jousting competition, falconry, axe racing – where competitors chopped wood in race against each other – and old favourites such as vintage steam engines.

The 16 to 26-year-old young farmers, who organised the show virtually alone, also had their chance to impress with their home-made self-propelled chariots and tug-of-war competitions.

Hannah Padfield, county development officer for the Essex Young Farmers, said the show had been discuss despite the less than favourable weather.

"It's been a fantastic day – the car park has filled up to breaking point."People have loved and it's all credit to the young farmers who organised it all. The bar has been busy too," she added.

ted.jeory@eadt.co.uk