THOUSANDS turned out to enjoy the Usk Show yesterday, despite the event enduring its first wet weather in five years.

The agricultural show, which has been running since 1843, continues to draw the crowds.

The showground site near Gwernesey hosted 10 different competitive sections for exhibitors, including horses and show jumping, poultry and horticulture among others.

According to the Usk Farmers' club, who run the event, the ethos of 'joining in and having-a-go' is 'strongly encouraged'.

Prior to the event, large numbers of entries in the livestock categories were reported by club chairman and agricultural section secretary Caroline Turner.

Around 300 traders supplied a variety of their wares out on the showground and inside the show's food hall, craft fair and shopping mall.

People of all ages were attracted to the traditional Parade of Hounds by the Curre and Llangibby Hunt.

Visitors to the countryside ring enjoyed displays from The Welsh Axemen, Black Mountain Falconry and the Rowan Working Horses.

Budding rugby players got the chance to practice their skills on an inflatable pitch courtesy of the WRU and Usk RFC.

Youngsters could also try their hands in the large junior section for young exhibitors, with participants aged under five up to 16 years old taking part.

Among the visitors was Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay, who said that he always looks forward to the Usk Show.

He said: "It's been an excellent day once again, it's always got a great atmosphere.

"It’s shows like this one in Usk and elsewhere in the county that show just how big a part agriculture plays in Monmouthshire."

The show's general secretary Faye Mear listed the day as another success for the Usk Farmers Club.

"It's been a good day, everything's gone smoothly and there's been no real issues.

"We've been seeing a lot of smiling faces which is good to see although it's the first time its rained at the show for five years."