Thousands of visitors flock to Staffordshire County Show

But the gloomy weather did not dampen the spirits of organisers or the crowds as the Staffordshire County Show got under way.

And the wishes of show chief executive Richard Williams were briefly granted as the clouds cleared and the sun came out soon after the gates opened – only for the rain to return hours later.

Mr Williams said bosses were hopeful of matching last year's 60,000 visitors, while adding the 110-acre site had coped well with heavy downpours earlier in the week.

The two-day show, which opened yesterday has been growing in size each year.

Mr Williams said: "After the bad weather we had last year we hope to be a bit luckier this year. It is very heartening to see the car parks filling up nicely and everyone getting onto the showground well.

"Earlier this week the forecast had been a lot worse, so to see the sun shining today is a relief and we do hope for a lot more visitors this year.

"We do have the hardened show-goers who will come out whatever the weather and just put on a jacket and wellies, and if it is sunny it will be flip-flops and shorts.

"So it is the people who wake up and see the fine weather who will be the extra ones coming to this year's show."

Mr Williams said the show was all about the community and keeping them involved.

"We have 200 volunteers from around the county who come and help us. The idea of the show is to bring the county together. It is a chance for businesses to showcase themselves and their livestock," he said.

The event continuing today costs £300,000 to stage, which this year has already been met from the trade stands, sponsorship and advanced ticket sales. County chairman Clive

Woodward said: "There is so much here to see and do and it really is heartening to see everyone enjoying themselves."

Exhibitor Gunn JCB sales manager Mark Robinsonsaid: "We come here every year and invite all of our customers. It's a good way for us to showcase our new products, such as our new mini excavator range, and I know we are going to be packed over the two days with visitors."

Pupils Daisy Broughton, aged 11, Charlie Delabilliere and George Zuweid, both aged the Elms School, inHerefordshire, brought along their Pedigree Hereford cow named 'Mara Freeman' along to the show.