"LONG may it continue," was the consensus among showgoers who were delighted to be returning to the showfield at Trevilla, Marshgate, for the 117th Camelford Agricultural Show.

After a two year hiatus due to wet ground and lack of funds, the community and show committee were commended today for bringing the show back to its former glory.

Following yesterday’s heatwave many attendees noted how “perfect” the overcast weather was - and it certainly helped draw the crowds away from the beach and into the field.

Mayor of Camelford Cllr Stephen Bond commended the show, saying the dry conditions were making for a nice day, adding: “Long may the show continue!”

There was a strong contingent of livestock in both the cattle and sheep rings - with the horse field also brimming with enthusiasm as a number of new faces joined the competition.

Highlights around the showground included the ever-popular Magic Martin, the fun dog show and the speed shearing competitions.

Vintage car and tractor lovers were in for a treat, with a wide variety of vehicles on display. Nestled amongst them was a surprise entry this year — the ‘Roadrage Cowboy’.

Marius Anderson is on a mission to drive a Massey Ferguson 35x round the coast of Britain, raising money for SANE, Cancer Research, RSABI & RABI and the My Name5. He said his attendance at Camelford Show was purely coincidental, passing it on his way, but thought it was too serendipitous not to pop along and join the other tractors in the show.

As always, this is a show of community spirit — demonstrated by the number of individuals who rushed to the aid of one broken down engine in the second show ring. With team effort and assistance from some nearby tractors, the situation was soon in hand.

There was also a noted improvement in attendance not just from visitors, but entrants — with the handicraft tent reporting more than 140 entries; a record?

On behalf of the show committee Elaine Reynolds, vice chair and Horticultural & Handicraft tent organiser, said: “I would like to thank you all for your support today on our first full show back on the showfield — and what a day we are all having.

“The show benches here in the marquee are full of wonderful produce and handmade exhibits and we are up on entries from previous years, and there are also lots of new people who have had a go and joined us this year — we welcome you to our show.”

Elaine added: “And long may this continue, keep coming back!”