THE New Forest Show began today amid hopes that the massive influx of visitors will rescue the area's battered economy.
The Forest's tourist industry is experiencing one of the worst years on record in the wake of the national foot-and-mouth crisis.
Restrictions imposed in a bid to keep the area foot-and-mouth free led to a huge drop in visitors.
All the restrictions have now been lifted, enabling hard-pressed traders to start the long and difficult task of rebuilding their businesses.
Tourist chiefs are hoping the New Forest Show will accelerate the recovery process.
At least 100,000 visitors are expected to flood through the showground gates at New Park, Brockenhurst, over the next three days, though pigs, goats and cows have been excluded from the show as a precaution against foot-and-mouth.
Show secretary Justin Lance said: "The fact that the event is going ahead is a positive demonstration that the Forest is pulling itself out of the nightmare of foot-and-mouth."
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