Devon County Show crowds set to smash record

Crowds have flocked to the Devon County Show in what could be its biggest year yet, with early figures suggesting attendance has beaten last year's record of just over 101,000.

Organisers say strong turnout across all three days points to a bumper year for the event at Westpoint showground near Exeter. The final figure is still being checked as all tickets are counted and audited.

This year's show got off to a "tremendous" start, with a visit from the Duchess of Edinburgh and actor Martin Clunes, organisers said.

The show has livestock, local food and family entertainment and this year, tree hugging in which visitors were invited to wrap their arms around a beech tree to get closer to nature.

Across the site, packed rings hosted cattle judging and animal displays, while visitors shopped for local produce, grabbed street food and got stuck into hands-on activities.

Show manager Lisa Moore said: "What an incredible show it has been. With beautiful weather on the menu, people flocked to the Devon County Show, coming together to celebrate the spirit of Devon."

She also thanked the "remarkable volunteers who pour their energy into making this event shine so brightly year after year".

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.