Thousands out for farm show

Thousands of visitors today poured through the gates of the West Mid Showground as organisers predicted a record year for the agricultural extravaganza.

The Berwick Road site opened at 9am for the 118th West Mid Show .

Despite a cloudy start, the rain held off in the early part of the day, with exhibitors, traders and showgoers all keeping their fingers crossed for a dry first day.

Organisers are delighted with the state of the grass after rain earlier in the week softened the ground, creating perfect conditions for showjumping and other horse events this weekend.

West Mid chairman David Tudor today predicted record crowds and said the exciting line-up of attractions was one of the best ever seen at Shropshire's agricultural showpiece.

"We've been very lucky with the weather while setting up, because we've had nothing like the amount of rain that's been apparent in other parts of the county," he said.

"This year we've got a busier showground than ever before and I think we look as though we're going to have a record attendance."

Top attraction in the main arena this year is the Household Cavalry, a spectacular parade of horses and regalia.

The troop of 16 men on black horses were set to give two performances today, and two tomorrow.

And second in the main arena bill for 2007 were the dare-devil Bolddog Lings Freestyle Team, who perform death-defying stunts on motorbikes.

Originally formed as a motocross race team in 1990, the group's appearance at the West Mid will be its first at an agricultural show.