THE Royal Cheshire County Show boosts the region’s economy by more than £4.5 million, research suggests.

A report commissioned by the show’s organisers saw more than 300 attendees interviewed during the two-day event, in a bid to understand its wider benefits.

Factoring into the significant boost were bookings for accommodation and restaurants, as well as shopping and entertainment.

Nigel Evans, executive director of the Cheshire Agricultural Society and show organiser, said: “We wanted to understand where our visitors were coming from, what they look for at the show and how this translated into economic benefits for the region as a whole.

"The show was blessed with scorching weather this year – an absolute dream for us as organisers!"

Research highlighted the show’s loyal customer base, with all of those questioned saying they would recommend the show to others while more than 99 per cent said they would themselves return next year.

With a third of the show’s visitors coming from outside Cheshire, around 7,500 overnight accommodation bookings directly linked to the event lead to a revenue spike of around £600,000.

Increased spends on shopping, entertainment and food and drink outside the scope of the show generate a boost of around £700,000.

Other revenue streams included employment and travel to the show, which has charity status and attracts more than 80,000 visitors each year.

Show organisers have remained positive despite the announcement of the preferred HS2 route, which will dissect the Tabley site.