OVER 86,000 people visited the three-day Three Counties Countryside Show last weekend and organisers said they were "delighted."

Spokesman Sharon Gilbert said: "Given that we were unable to hold the cattle, sheep, pigs and goats livestock competitions which are normally such an important part of our show, we were very pleased with the new-style event."

The Three Counties Show was re-named the Three Counties Countryside Show this year to reflect the new layout and content without the animals - the result of DEFRA requirements following last year's foot and mouth disaster in the countryside which wiped out all shows.

"We revitalised the event while still retaining the strong farming focus," Mrs Gilbert said. "We aimed to provide farmers and country lovers with a reliable source of information and businesses advice, and a much needed venue where they could meet up and socialise, and it worked well."

She said she was particularly pleased with the enlarged and improved countryside area where country sports enthusiasts were able to take advantage of hands-on activities.

"We had a slow start on Friday, but things picked up on Saturday and on Sunday we were very busy and it was nice to see so many people round the main arena, where the main attractions were the Red Devils Parachute Regiment Freefall Team and the White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team."

She said the horse classes were very well supported and it was important to those exhibitors to have the show in order for winners to qualify for national events later in the season.