BRILLIANT sunshine and an action packed programme saw thousands flock to the Orsett Show on Saturday.

With so much to see and do, including medieval jousting, circus skills, classic car displays, and even helicopter rides, families were hard-pressed to fit everything in.

There were also more than 100 trade stalls for visitors to get round as well as a number of live demonstrations to watch including woodturning on a pole lathe, sheep shearing, fly fishing and rug-making.

School children saw the fruits of their creativity on display in the Schools Marquee, and hopefuls competed for glory in the various show categories including horticulture, cattle, horse, agriculture, and hobbies and crafts.

The show, which started with a ploughing match back in 1841, is now the oldest surviving one-day Agricultural Show in the County.

Reflecting on an event that gets bigger and better every year, the Show Council’s Ray Maywood said: “It has been an incredible day.

“I would not be surprised if we had around 10,000 people here.

“It is a massive improvement on last year when we had dreadful weather and only got a couple of thousand.”

He added: “For me the highlight has been the return of the cattle show after our problems with foot and moth. I think people were amazed to see just how enormous these creatures are close up.

“I think that is what the Orsett Show is all about.”