DESPITE the howling winds and driving rain, Kilkhampton master thatcher Christopher Robinson was still smiling when he was presented with the award for the 'best trade stand' in the countryside area at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Christopher has been involved with the show for nine years and uses his mobile demonstration roof to give show goers the opportunity to try their hand at laying reed, and to get the chance to feel the materials and gain a little more understanding about how the roof works.

He also carries out a demonstration in the ring of the countryside area, which is run by countryman Chris Green, and is part of a timetable which this year included such diverse shows as polo demonstrations from South West Polo's Andy Burgess, Cornish Wrestling and a dog and duck show.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.