THOUSANDS of people flocked to the Bedwellty Show in Blackwood on Saturday.

Shirley Turner, secretary of the event at Blackwood showfield, said she was very pleased with the turnout.

"We usually have between 8,000 and 10,000 here, including the competitors, and we are hoping to at least equal that today," she said.

Mrs Turner was also delighted that there were more stalls than usual.

"The number of trade stands is up around 25 per cent on last year," she added.

Two years ago the show had to be cancelled due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease - but yesterday's event proved that the show is truly back on the road.

And there was really something for everyone at this year's event, with 136 agricultural classes - including pigs, sheep, goats and cattle.

In the four showrings there was also plenty to see, with showjumping classes for children and adults, and Welsh ponies, mountain and moorland sections and shire horse classes.

One of the most popular events was the inter-hunt relay, with competitors from all over Wales competing on parallel courses, while the motorcycle display team performed twice during the day.

For those more interested in the smaller animals, there were also show classes for dogs, rabbits, geese, hens and guinea pigs.

Other tents housed the horticultural show, where there were competitions for vegetables, fruits, flowers, jams, cakes, and needlecrafts. There were also children's crafts competitions.

The Gelligaer Young Farmers turned out to organise a stall at the horticultural tent, selling bric-a-brac, cakes and fruit, and organising a raffle.

There was also a large funfair, stalls selling everything from books to toys, a Gwent Police crime prevention stand and refreshments.