TRADERS and stallholders at the Royal Cheshire County Show have praised the community after another huge turnout.

Tens of thousands turned out at Tabley showgrounds on Tuesday as the annual show marked 179 years since its first rendition.

Alongside displays of agricultural processes and animal performances in a number of rings across the site, hundreds of traders and public bodies welcomed visitors to see what they had on offer.

While the show affords businesses a chance to display their services, the chance to interact with the public is another highlight for those in the stalls.

Wendy Sinfield, customer relations officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We have been coming here about 15 years and we have got a bigger and bigger stand over the years.

“We have our outreach in Knutsford and mobile outreaches out and about, but with so many people here they have the chance to stop, browse and actually have that conversation with people. People can come in and ask us anything – all sorts.

“They just go away with a better understanding of what we are doing. We are dead open and honest about what we do, and we want to tell people as much as we can and get them involved.”

David Walker of Ark Vets in Mobberley Road said: “It’s always about the community – getting to know people and putting a bit back.

“Because we are involved with the rural community, this just supports it.”

Out in force, visitors took in shows and demonstrations, from falconry to woodchopping, sheep-shearing to bread-making.

The Roberts Bakery-sponsored ‘Food Live’ arena neighboured the Delamere Dairies main ring, where the feature show was the ‘Four Seasons of Farming’, bringing food production to life.

Further interactive events saw more than 50 Knutsford Academy students on hand to oversee science and explore the grounds.

Part of an activity popular with young motorists, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service teamed up with Cheshire Police to educate on how to be safe on the road.

Andy Gray, road safety officer with the fire service, said: “Our distraction simulator shows drivers the danger of using mobile phones while driving. It really shows how bad your driving can be when distracted.

“We have had a lot of young drivers come to us, and it’s good for them to get involved and see how they are doing.”