Thousands expected at Shropshire County Show

Thousands of people were today expected to pack into the Shropshire County Show as organisers said they were on course for an even bigger and better event than last year.

The two-day extravaganza opened to the public at 9am to overcast skies although many people arrived early to enjoy the atmosphere.

One of the first through the gate today was Christine Heath, 54, of Shrewsbury. She said: "This will be the 10th time me and my husband have visited the show, we really enjoy it especially the horses.

"I am also looking forward to watching the dog show. I work for a dog rescue charity so it's a good opportunity to meet people with similar interests."

Delighted officials said advance ticket sales had been well up on last year. Neale Sadler, chairman of the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society which runs the event at the Berwick Road showground in Shrewsbury, said organisers were expecting about 25,000 people.

He said: "After a very slow start this week has been absolutely mad."

l Cattle — See Page 7