THE sun and the crowds came out yesterday as thousands flocked to the 11th annual Cambridgeshire County Show at Wimpole. It was a day for the whole family, and whether it was your pocket money being spent or farmers investing in new machinery, the day ha

THE sun and the crowds came out yesterday as thousands flocked to the 11th annual Cambridgeshire County Show at Wimpole.

It was a day for the whole family, and whether it was your pocket money being spent or farmers investing in new machinery, the day had something for everyone.

Double scoop 99 ice creams at �2.50 competed with new combine harvesters at �250,000 for interest, but it was in the main ring where much of the interest was focused.

The day, naturally enough, belonged to the Bottisham, Comberton, Cottenham, Gamlingay, Huntingdon and Ramsey Young Farmers' Club who had combined to help stage the competition.

And in the marquees were many of the results of the various competitions they had taken part in and visitors could see the high standard of entries.

Cookery, metalwork and craft entries all featured and drew praise from the hundreds of visitors who viewed the exhibits.

But in the ring was where the young farmers triumphed, bringing together terrier racing, sheepdog displays, carriage display and the highlight of the day, a wonderful display of tractors in a Farming Through the Seasons presentation by Cambridgeshire Vintage Tractor Club. (Of course, the young farmers' may have reckoned their human sheep dog trials were the real highlight!).

Trade stands ranged from agriculture to organic lavender, from the Ely Diocesan Mothers' Union to a company specialising in plastic recycling.

Martin Lines, Cambridgeshire County Show chairman, told visitors that the show had been organised by a committee which includes past and present members of Young Farmers' and others "who share an enthusiasm for farming and the countryside".

He added: "We are all volunteers who strive to make the day as interesting and varied as possible."

The thousands who enjoyed leisurely picnics or snacked in the sun would agree it was one of their best yet.