³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

The weather may have misbehaved, but the first day of the 2008 Devon County Show was a huge success.

After days of warm sunshine, the weather turned grey and wet for the start of the show.

However, organisers say the show got off to a great start, with an appearance by HRH Duchess of Cornwall, this year's Devon County Show President.

The Duchess tried her hand at making organic bread at a mobile bakery run by organic farmer Ian Shears, from Highfield Farm at Topsham, near Exeter. She told three-year-old Matthew Shears, who was trying to make a roll shaped like a tortoise: "It looks more like a hedgehog."

HRH Duchess of Cornwall mingles with the crowds

Mr Shears said: "I appreciate the Duchess coming here and showing how we celebrate local food."

As the Duchess walked through the showground, she constantly stopped and
chatted to members of the public.

A spokesperson for the County Show said: "Everyone she met was delighted.

"And The Duchess of Cornwall told us afterwards that she had a thoroughly enjoyable time at the show, and we hope to welcome her back again soon."

The spokesperson said the cooler weather was better for the animals on show: "If it's too hot, it doesn't suit the livestock, so for the animals, this was much better weather.

"And the visitors have come prepared for the weather. They know this is an outdoor event, after all."

Organisers described the number of visitors as "steady."

Showing off Devon's fare

The Devon County Show is a unique celebration of what makes the county such a great place to live and work - and for 2008 the three-day event is bigger than ever.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the annual event, which runs over three days from 15-17 May at Westpoint near Exeter.

The weather isn't great, but organisers are confident it won't put a dampener on the event.

It's the biggest agricultural show in the county calendar and acts as a showcase for Devon's food and farming industry.

Organisers say it's a chance for visitors to see all that's best about the Devon countryside, and to sample locally produced fare.

This year the show features new trails for children, as part of the Year of Food and Farming – a campaign to help youngsters find out more about the countryside and where their food comes from.

Show secretary Ollie Allen said the event offers an opportunity for youngsters to learn more about the countryside.

"The Year of Food and Farming is an exciting and high profile campaign to help our young people find out more about where their food comes from through first-hand experiences," she said.

"We are looking forward to welcoming pupils who will have the opportunity to directly follow the story from field to plate and explore the importance of eating healthy food."

Stunt rider from the Bolddog Lings team

Highlights for 2008 include thrilling freestyle stunt riding from the Bolddog Lings motorcycle display team, top horse and dog competitions, country life sports and the ever-popular high-tech robot Titan.

And for those who love to garden, there's a new question time feature which aims to help people solve their gardening dilemmas.

As well as answering questions, horticultural experts Martin Fish and Geoff Stebbings will be giving practical talks and demonstrations on a range of gardening subjects.

No agricultural show would be complete without the traditional livestock. As usual there will be plenty of magnificent specimens on show including popular local breeds such Ruby Red beef cattle and Devon and Cornwall Longwool sheep.

An added attraction this year will be some of the best Jersey cattle from around the UK. Top breeders will be attending a pre-show conference organised by the World Jersey Cattle Bureau.

Edward Morgan, chairman of the UK Jersey Cattle Society, said:Ìý"Jerseys are renowned for the quality of their milk, nowhere better than in Devon with its cream teas and ice-cream, and they are recognised by the wider public as particularly attractive animals."

If you're visiting the show, don't forget to look out for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ marquee on Avenue K. You can meet your favourite presenters, find out more about what's available locally from the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ and get answers to some of your technical questions.

Check out what Radio Devon are up to at the county show, by using the link on this page.

And view the show ground via the webcam - also linked.