AFTER months of planning and three days of non-stop action, it's all over for another year.

The curtain has come down on the New Forest and Hampshire County Show following a feast of family entertainment that wowed spectators from across the south.

Tens of thousands of people flocked to New Park, Brockenhurst, for the annual celebration of food, farming and the countryside.

But officials say the event is unlikely to match the success of last year's show, which attracted a record crowd of 105,000.

Planning for the 2017 spectacular will start early next week, with the hunt for the main attraction set to top the agenda.

This year's headline act was Metropolitan Police Activity Ride, with officers staging a raft of gravity-defying stunts - some of which required expert timing as well as incredible balance.

After braving hoops of fire the riders removed their tunics, stirrups and saddles as the horses continued to canter around the main arena.

This year's show president was Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who also visited the event in 2013.

She was forced to miss the traditional show dinner on Monday evening because of illness but was well enough to tour the showground on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Show secretary Denis Dooley said: "It's been another great show - everyone who came really enjoyed their day out.

"For me there were three highlights. The Metropolitan Police were fantastic, the heavy horse musical drive was one of the best we've ever seen and the Countess of Wessex had two great days at the event.

"We had a very good attendance, although I don't think it will turn out to be a record-breaker."

Improvements introduced after last year's show included extra grandstands and a new parking system.

Mr Dooley said: "We've had some great feedback from the public. The extra grandstands made a big difference and the parking was significantly better.

"We're meeting on Monday to start planning next year's event. The main attraction needs to be booked by the end of September."