50,000 people enjoy a bumper county show

More than 50,000 visitors enjoyed an uncharacteristically hot weekend at the Newark and Nottinghamshire County Show.

The sun and hot temperatures brought show-goers out in their thousands on both Saturday and Sunday.

It was standing room only around the main ring as this year's main attractions, J.C Balls Dancing Diggers and the Smyth's Adrenaline Tour motorcycle and quad bike stunt display team - performed on both days.

The Grand Parade of champion livestock took place on Sunday afternoon following a blessing from the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Rev Paul Butler.

The trade stands thronged with people seeking out a bargain and the food hall and the ice cream vans reported a roaring trade.

Children under 17 were allowed into the show for free, which also helped to swell the attendance.

The free bus service, sponsored by the Advertiser and Newark Town Council, was well used.

There were no issues with traffic congestion at all on Saturday or on Sunday morning as a now well-rehearsed traffic management plan was used. The opening of the dualled section of the A46 between Farndon and Bingham was also said to have been a big help.

However, a bad accident on the A17 by the showground caused delays of 40 minutes or more for traffic leaving on Sunday afternoon.

2012 was the 129th Newark and Nottinghamshire County Show.

The show has seen continual growth, in the light horse classes alone, entries have grown by 50% in the last three years to more than 1,200.

The heavy horse accounted for 120 entries, while there were 600 show jumping entries.

The show jumping culminated on Sunday with the Mattie Brown Stakes which had a prize fund of £10,500.

The fun included a fairground, floral and farrier competitions, chainsaw carving, sheep shearing, vintage vehicles, heavy horses, the Blankney and the South Notts hunts and the food halls.

Buy the Advertiser on Thursday for a six-page picture supplement on the show, and see the events section in photo sales on the website from Thursday for all of the pictures taken.