Thousands enjoy Staffordshire County Show

May 29 2008 By Kat Keogh

IT'S muddy marvellous!

Thousands of visitors refused to let the rain and sludge spoil their fun as they turned out in force for the Staffordshire County Show.

Attractions included showjumping, a sheep shearing competition and a monster truck display.

Staffordshire and Birmingham agricultural society chief executive Richard Williams said they were well prepared at the show for whatever the weather.

He said: "We’re very fortunate that we have five exhibition halls and a lot of marquees to house a lot of attractions.

"I saw a lot of people armed with rolled up umbrellas and dressed for the best and worst of British weather."

And Mr Williams said the show - which was first held in 1800 - has changed in recent years to reflect a growing interest in locally-sourced food.

He added: "Our food hall has grown in popularity, and I think this is down to people being aware of things like food miles and good local food."

The show supported the year of food and farming, a national campaign to raise awareness about the countryside and where their food comes from.

"Coming to something like this educates children that eggs don’t just come from a box or milk comes from a bottle," said Mr Williams. Up to 70,000 were expected to have attended the event at the county showground by the time it closes tonight .