THOUSANDS of people have visited a popular show dedicated to celebrating the countryside.

The sun shone as the traditional Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Show took place on Saturday at the Somerley estate.

The show featured a range of events for all ages to enjoy.

Visitors watched a variety of horse classes, show jumping, a donkey display and a dog show.

There were also contests for guests, including a fancy dress event for dogs and their owners and a scarecrow competition.

More than 150 traders attended the event to sell everything from garden furniture to food.

An exhibition of classic cars and vintage farm machinery recalled bygone days, while green-fingered visitors showed off their homemade produce in the horticultural marquee.

Those who prefer to participate were invited to take part in a fishing competition on the River Avon, try their hand at archery and meet baby farm animals at the petting zoo.

Michael Lingam-Willgoss of the event said: "We have had a tremendous day.

"The weather has been beautiful and thousands of people have visited.

"Everyone tells us this is their favourite show of its type.

"We keep it pretty much the same each year - the show is for the whole family and it is about tradition and being in the country.

"I believe it's the quintessential English day in the countryside.

"It is truly a show for everybody."

Mr Lingam-Willgoss said the real aim of the show is to raise funds for charity.

"I always say that it's the show you always look forward to and the show you think back to," he said.

"The bottom line is that at the end of the day, when everybody has gone home tired and happy, we have a lot of money for our charities."

Organisers aim to split the money between a number of good causes, including local and national charities.

A number of bursaries are also made available for agricultural students.

"As well as all that, a number of charities who hold stalls at the show can raise their own funds too," Mr Lingam-Willgoss said.

"It's a wonderful event."