Visitors flock to sunny first day

Organisers were predicting record-breaking crowds for the 26th Midland Game Fair which is taking place at Weston Park today.

Hopes were high that the warm weekend would help.

Thousands were this morning flocking to the event at the stately home, near Shifnal, for the opening day.

And more than 85,000 people were expected to turn out over the weekend.

Claire Harford, marketing executive for Countryman Fairs said: "Plans are looking really good so far and the weather has finally joined us this season which is absolutely fantastic.

"There's lots of people already here having a look around and lots of dogs as well which is so nice to see."

Mrs Harford said the good weather could help them succeed in their bid to attract a record-breaking number of visitors from across the region.

"We are hoping to see over 85,000 people this weekend which would mean the most people in the history of the event. Last year we had over 83,000 people here," she added.

Country sports fans are set to enjoy attractions including a showcase of airgun sport, a dogs roadshow, falconry village and food festival.

The event is also home for a range of country championships, including the Junior Airgun Championship, UK Casting Championship and the UK Working Ferret Championship.

Mrs Harford said the event had grown every year since it was launched and offered a fun weekend for people of all ages with a chance to also take the family pets along to the event.