BILL Rogers, aged 96, would not miss the Royal Cornwall for all the tea in China.

His proud record is having attended every year bar one since the show made permanent its Wade­bridge site — 70 years' ago — and he also went regularly before that as it toured the Duchy!

Mr Rogers, who used to farm at Crackington Haven and now lives at Wadebridge went to all three days and loved every minute of it. He also farmed at Camelford.

He says: "I only missed one show and that was when I was out in Canada. It gets bigger here every year."

SILVER BANDS

Mr Rogers particularly enjoys the flower tent and looking at the all the animals. He also makes a bee-line for local silver bands, whose music he loves.

He was at the Wadebridge showground with his daughter, Josephine Chugg, who buys him a three-day ticket each year (See back page picture of father and daughter in the Flower Tent).

Princess Alexandra flew into Newquay Airport before reaching the showground on Friday — her fifth visit to the show.

She was greeted by the same sunny weather which had blessed the opening day of the show.

The Princess arrived with Lady Mary Holborow, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall.

A fanfare was played by the Bugle Platoon of The Rifles.

Many local dignitaries were presented to the Princess.

Jonathan Coode, the chairman of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association,, commented: "We are very pleased to be welcoming Her Royal Highness.

"This occasion is particularly special because of her knowledge and interest in the show built up over her four previous visits."

Next year, Prince Charles will be president of the Royal Cornwall and is expected to pay a visit.