BEST beast of the first Cornish Winter Fair at Wadebridge was awarded to the Limousin cross steer of John Sluggett, of Milton Damerel.

The new event included the competitive aspects of the 137-year-old Wadebridge Prime Stock Show.

Organisers said the move from its traditional Monday fixture to a Saturday and becoming part of a much wider celebration of Cornish farming paid dividends — entries for the wide range of competitive livestock and produce classes soared from 693 in 2014 to almost topping 1,100 this time around.

Competition in the cattle section was hot with 71 entries battling it out for the honours.

The reserve best beast was taken by Nigel and Liz Bunkum from Merrymeet near Liskeard, also with a Limousin cross steer.

The sheep section saw an equally competitive field of entries. Bill Barrett from Crantock, near Newquay prevailed in the best pair of sheep with his Beltex lambs.

The best single sheep was won by Neil and Julia Phillips from Restronguet with a Texel lamb.

Christopher Riddle, honorary secretary of the Wadebridge Prime Stock Association, said: “There was an incredible atmosphere all day. It’s so encouraging with entries rising and seeing so many people spectating during the livestock judging, at times four or five people deep around the judging rings, and taking time to view the array of produce classes.”

More than 5,000 people turned out on Saturday, despite the inclement weather, to attend the fair.

Visitors enjoyed the combination of competitions, agriculture, food and farming education and local craft and food shopping.

The 70 trade stands reported brisk trade with Kernow Chocolate, Grumpies of Cornwall and Cornish Country Cordials all selling out.

Crowds flocked to the food and farming education zone created by the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, NFU, Cornwall branch of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Cornwall Food and Farming Group and North Cornwall Pony Club.

Families enjoyed getting up close to and learning more about pigs, sheep, ponies, goats and poultry but watching freshly hatched chicks proved to be the biggest draw.

Father Christmas even made an appearance within his grotto, specially constructed with straw bales in keeping with the agricultural theme. He delighted younger visitors while also raising funds for the RABI.

Mr Riddle added: “Seeing thousands of people enjoying the event and connecting with Cornish agriculture is really satisfying. We’re looking forward to next year already.”