FOR more than a hundred years farmers from all over the UK have flocked to South Wales to enter their livestock and produce in the Chepstow show.

And though many of the traditions of this fine community event have remained intact, over time it has reinvented itself as a superb day out for all the family.

Golden sunshine and clear blue sky over Broadwell Farm in Crick on Saturday added to a true carnival atmosphere, leaving visitors happy to mill around watching hopeful farmers showing off their cows, sheep, birds, horses and dogs.

Elsewhere, cakes, jams, wines and homebrews were lined up ready to be judged alongside flowers, plants and vegetables.

Local traders shouted their offers from inside handicraft market tents, some struggling to make themselves heard above the New Orleans Feet Warmers jazz band.

Children had a climbing wall, go-karts and inflatable castles and slides to amuse them while their parents wandered around various stalls and presentations.

Bryony Symons, from Tutshill, visiting the Chepstow show for the first time with her children, Joseph and Phoebe, said: "I'm amazed it's been going so long, but it's great that one of Chepstow's old-time traditions has been kept.

"The kids love animals and there's so much to see and do here." A more seasoned visitor was Susan Steele, from Pontypridd, who was at Broadwell Farm to show her Pomeranian dogs.

She said: "I show dogs all over the country - it's a lovely chance for the family to come out together and enjoy the crafts, the machinery, the animals. It's a great day out. Those who don't have the money to take four children to Alton Towers or big shows in Cardiff can afford to have a great time together here.

"This show and the Monmouth Show are well organised by fine, hard-working committees and they are always very successful."