IDEAL show weather blessed Launceston Agricultural Association’s 126th annual show at Kennards House last Thursday.

There was plenty of entertainment on offer for every to enjoy.

Jack Neale said he was ‘honoured and proud’ to be this year’s show president, his sons and grandchildren showing cattle on the day.

His wife, Yvonne, said: “We are looking forward to seeing everything.”

Robert Tucker, in his 10th year as show chairman, said it was an ‘honour’ to escort Mr Neale around the show — the ninth president he has escorted at the event.

He added: “Escorting the president, I get to view a lot of the show. It is important they get to see as much of it as they can.”

Show treasurer Peter Stevenson promoted the increased variety of entertainment at the show, from donkey racing, tug of war, sheep shearing and ferret racing.

“The sheep shearing is always very popular with holidaymakers and there is someone here spinning with the wheel,” he said.

Families also enjoyed entertainment from Magic Martin and falconry displays.

The main ring saw the grand parades of horses, cattle and sheep, the trade stand trophy presentations, South Tetcott Hunt parade, Southgate Junior Football Club demonstration and a display of vintage cars — as well as the finals for the tug of war and donkey derby.

Show secretary Naomi Hutchings said: “We’ve had a really smooth run up to the show, there were more stewards this year, which was really helpful, so last night (Wednesday) we were wondering what to do with ourselves!

“We have changed the date, which means we don’t clash with the Royal Welsh Show so there are more livestock entries, but it’s the same day as the New Forest Show, which means horse entries are slightly down.

“However, we hope by being one week later, it will bring in more trade and will allow more children to come along because they have finished school.”

Mr Stevenson said the change in week for the show was ‘with a view to attract more holiday makers’, adding early on in the day the hope was for a bumper gate.

Attendance was up by 500 on last year, boasting some 6,500 visitors through the show gates.

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