THERE was a fine display of cattle and sheep from all over Cornwall and Devon with entries up on last year, such is the draw of what is regarded by many as the county's best and friendliest one day shows.

The judges were hard pressed picking the winners as the quality was so high, and there was a surprise win in the battle for Supreme Show Champion in the cattle classes with judge Gerald Ley, from Holsworthy, awarding the title to a dairy cow as opposed to a beef animal for the first time in a few years.

The delighted winner was Gemma Rowland, with the four-and-a-half year old Glebewin Active Grey from the Glebewin Holsteins herd owned by her father Michael Smale, at North Petherwin. The cow is a third calver and currently producing 50 litres of milk a day.

'I am over the moon, she is a fantastic herd cow and a pleasure to walk,' said Gemma. She was presented with the Duke of Windsor Cup by show president Owen Hoskin.

Strong supporter of the show and a prolific winner in the past, Mr Ted Haste of Shebbear, was this year's Reserve in the Supreme Championship, with his British Blue 'Solway View Immaculate'.

In the sheep section the Grand Challenge Cup for the best sheep in the show was won by Mr N Burrington of Exeter, while the local champion across all breeds was won by Gwen Renfree of Quethiock with her Blue Texel ewe Winnie. Mrs Renfree also won best group with her Zwartble sheep, as well as the male champion and best local. In total she was awarded eight firsts.

Entries were slightly down in the horse classes. This was not due to the recent outbreak of 'strangles', an infectious equine disease, nearby on Bodmin Moor, but there was another event at Bicton. Almost all of the 300 entries arrived to enjoy a day of good competition.

A popular feature was the new addition of the pony club games which took place in the main show ring drawing a large number of spectators.

The Supreme Champion Horse was won by Mrs C Courtier, of Broadclyst, Exeter, with 'Hammonds Last Time.' The Champion Donkey was seven- year-old 'Thunder' owned by Heather King of Tavistock.

There were a good number of entries in the poultry marquee of both birds and eggs, with the show championship being awarded to J Collings, of Treburley, with an Ancona.

The Companion Dog Show with pedigree and novelty classes was a popular attraction with 71 entries. Secretary Mrs Mary Whitehead said it had been the best turnout so far in the dog classes at the show.

Best Pedigree was Mac, a border terrier entered by Mr Hambley, and best novelty in show was Billy entered by S Moyse.