THOUSANDS of people enjoyed some late summer sunshine at the Alresford Agricultural Show over the weekend.

The family-themed event made its annual return to Tichborne Park on Saturday with more people then ever passing through the gates to admire the best of Hampshire's agricultural tradition.

As always, the stars of the show were the hundreds of animals brought along by exhibitors, ranging from ducks and rabbits through to sheep, pigs and cattle. More exotic mammals were also on show, with the huge water buffalo and wool-producing alpacas getting most of the attention.

Working animals also featured heavily, with the main ring act of Elaine Hill and her geese-herding sheepdogs particularly popular.

As usual there were also plenty of horses at the show, dominated by the giant heavy horses and brewers drays, though the special equestrian events such as carriage driving and side-saddle riding also drew in the crowds. More mechanically minded visitors were also in for a treat with the ever-increasing vintage tractor and machinery section, which was contrasted against the backdrop of the latest in hi-tech agricultural vehicles.

However, hand-crafted goods and fresh local produce were also on sale, with everything from jewellery to clothing and fine art to ceramics on offer to those not so interested in the finer workings of the tractor.

The event is organised by the Alresford and District Agricultural Society, a charity formed to improve agriculture for the benefit of the general public and in particular in relation to education.

One of those who enjoyed it was six-year-old Steven Bedford from Firmstone Road in Winchester, who had come along for a day out with father Carl and mother Laura.

He said: "It's just brilliant.I loved seeing the pigs and animals. I got to sit in a tractor."

A spokesman for the organisers, said: "The day was a huge success, with once again more people than ever passing through the gates.

"Once again the animals were the most popular of the things on show, though the visitors seemed to enjoy all the attractions and, for once, even the weather stayed good."