THE Three Counties Show in 1977 had a royal visitor in the shape of Princess Alexandra.

Despite generally wet conditions, there were enthusiastic crowds as the princess made a five-hour tour of the showground.

Heavy rain hit the show on its first day, turning the 60-acre site into a quagmire in the worst conditions since 1958.

Over two-and-a-half inches of rain had fallen in the weekend before the show, more than fell during the whole of June the previous year.