SIZZLING sunshine and a packed programme of entertainment brought nearly 40,000 people flocking to the Nantwich and South Cheshire Show.

Once all the gate receipts are counted organisers expect to have exceeded last year's all-time high of 32,000 people.

This would make the 2006 event the most successful in its history, which dates back to 1897.

Crowds piled in from early morning on Wednesday. By 9am the showground at Dorfold Hall Park was thronging with families and exhibitors ready to enjoy the day.

Thrilling arena attractions, celebrities and even bigger marquees packed with displays made it a day to remember. Organisers spent a year planning every last detail, right down to the black matting pathways which made it easier for people to get about.

Joint show secretary Adrian Lawrence said: 'We are still totting up all the figures, but an early estimation is we should be well over last year's figure, nearer the 40,000 mark, which is amazing.

'Costs were higher this year, close on to £500,000, because we tried to lay on more for people to see and do.

'It's amazing to think we had so many people in one place on one day and all in Nantwich, now on the map for people who came from across the UK.

'International winners in the Cheese have wished for a better day. Even months before, we knew this show was going to be the big one.

'Come the day, we were blessed with the glorious sunshine again. It was more than we could have hoped for.'

Profits from the show will be split by Nantwich Agricultural Society between needy causes in South Cheshire.

Madcap Cheggers says show is top > > >

Madcap Cheggers says show is top

LARGER than life GMTV presenter Keith Chegwin took time out from a hectic schedule to join in the fun at the Nantwich and South Cheshire Show.

Madcap 'Cheggers' was the compere as 10 South Cheshire youngsters put their judging caps on to decide who had the best cheese out of 20 entries.

And the 49-year-old said he had a whole lot of fun watching the kids sample produce as diverse as 'cheese and onion' and teddy bear-shaped cheese.

He said: 'I really have had a fantastic time today. I do lots of shows up and down the country, but this is one of the better events which has kept its own identity.

'It's a local show for local people selling local produce and the organisers are so enthusiastic about it which proves it really is what I call a genuine show.'

Frico's Edam Mild emerged as winner after two groups of cheese tasters pushed their tastebuds to the limit by trying up to 20 different samples. It was a feat which astounded Cheggers, who compered the event in his usual wacky style.

He said: 'It was amazing just how diverse their tastes were. There was one youngster who gave cheese and onion 10 out of 10 while another couldn't stand even the milder cheese.

Berkshire-based Keith is married to Maria and has a son, Ted, and daughter, Rose. He rushed off to Pwllheli in North Wales to do another GMTV show after his appearance.

His busy schedule has been filled with some interesting new projects. He features in the first episode of the new series of Ricky Gervais' Extras and claims it took four and a half hours to do one take with the former Office star.

He explained: 'Ricky is such a nice bloke, but it was alarming just how long it took to do one scene. He has everyone in stitches with his antics behind the set.'

Keith is also known as 'Cheesehead' for the new biscuits of the same name by Walkers crisps. But he is still quite mortified by his decision to pose in nothing but a hat for Channel Five's Naked Jungle.

He said: 'Never again. My mum still hasn't forgiven me for it, but it was a celebration of naturism so I thought 'why not?'.'