HEAVY horses, sheep and cows, working dog displays and birds of prey all formed part of the fun at the annual Ellingham Show on Saturday.

The Daily Echo-backed traditional country show held in the grounds of Somerley Park near Ringwood, estimated to have attracted at least 20,000, also included a fancy dress competition and pony racing.

The Gamegoer gun dog and hawk display demonstrated how hawks and gun dogs often work together in the field.

And the heavy horses were an impressive sight as they paraded around the arena.

The highlight of the day was a grand parade of animals and prize winners.

And there was plenty of fun for youngsters with a chance to pet farm animals including sheep, goats, pigs, cows and even alpacas.

Michael Lingam-Willgoss spokesperson for the Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Society which stages the traditional show, said the show had been a success.

He said: “We pride ourselves on the fact that the show is a little bit like the shows that people remember from years gone by. We are very much a traditional agricultural show.

“It is a show for people interested in the countryside and we also welcome people who don’t know anything about the countryside.

And as a family show we have quite a bit for children to get involved in.

“Last year it was a very wet day and we were almost rained off and the year before that we had a problem with blue tongue. But this year we are aiming to have a really successful event.”

At least 20 charities including Macmillan Cancer Research, will share proceeds from the show, he added.

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