THOUSANDS of visitors celebrated rural life at the annual Cheshire County Show.

More than 80,000 people dodged the rain showers to enjoy the huge variety of food, stalls, competitions and demonstrations on offer across the Tabley Showground in Knutsford.

More than 700 exhibitors came from across the country to make it the North West's biggest agricultural show and one of the largest in the country.

However, the huge two-day event was focused on Cheshire life, and has been steadily growing over the last few years, despite the economic climate.

Executive director Nigel Evans put the success down to the loyalty of the Cheshire people to their county.

He said: "The people of Cheshire come and support their event. It’s great value for money, there's always something different to see.

“My favourite time is when all the animals arrive the day before the show. That's when it really starts to come alive, with the livestock.

"I'll be sad at 5pm on Wednesday when the marquees are emptied and the livestock goes away again. But then it's time to have a rest and start getting ready for next year.”

This year's event also saw the welcome return of the Bolddog freestyle motorbike display team, as voted for by the show-goers.

Mr Evans said: “We had a vote to find out what people wanted and 95% voted to see them again. They are fantastic.”