HEAVY horses, cows, donkeys and sheep all formed part of the fun at the Ellingham Show on Saturday.

Thousands of people flocked to annual traditional agricultural event, set in the grounds of the beautiful Somerley Park Estate near Ringwood.

Events kept the crowds entertained in the arena throughout the day including light horse and heavy horse classes, livestock classes, donkey shows and a fancy dress competition.

There was also a dog show, vintage farm machinery display, flower arranging and a horticultural section.

Youngsters were entertained with stalls, bouncy castles and a chance to sit in a fire engine while the adults packed into the beer tents and enjoyed the many stalls dotted around the park.

A scarecrow competition attracted great interest and first prize went to the 3rd Ringwood Scout Group for their Prince George and the Dragon. Michael Lingham-Willgoss, show spokesman, said: “Last year we had our most successful show and it looks like we’ve gone and beat that this year.

“The success of last year enabled us to give away £40,000 and we will probably be able to do something similar again.

“The ethos of this show is what makes it so successful. We are regarded as a benchmark for this type of agricultural country show. It is a local show for local people – they love the fact this show is an old fashioned traditional show.”

He said Ellingham also attracted Rotary clubs and other charities that benefited from the day.