THE reputation of the Mid Devon Show continues to grow as the weekend's event is thought to have drawn even more visitors than last year.

About 15,500 people made the trip to Post Hill, on the outskirts of Tiverton, on Saturday for what has become a firm diary date for many Westcountry farmers and rural businesses.

Animals vying for rosettes ranged from rare rabbit breeds to giant Belgian Blue cattle.

The big attraction this year in the main ring was provided by biker daredevils Moto-Stunts International, a troupe of riders who performed a routine of death-defying stunts at intervals throughout the day.

There were plenty of trade stands to browse, selling everything from chicken arks to pink wellies.

A huge amount of local food was available to those wanting to take a break.

And show-goers were kept refreshed a with beer and cider at the drinks tent.

The weather stayed dry, and drainage work carried out in the days leading up to the show prevented mud causing a problem.

Phillip Beauvais, of Bowden Farm, picked up two first prizes and two second prizes for his rare-breed cattle.

He said: "I have a full-time job and I do this as a hobby so it takes a lot of dedication.

"I have got to get the animals back, fed, cleaned and tidied up and then I'll be celebrating.

"I think it's important we keep agriculture and the whole ethos of British agriculture in front of the public.

"It's good publicity for the rare breeds and this is a good family show."

The Creative Cow theatre company, from Bickleigh, won best trade stand in show for its display advertising The Farmer's Wife, a show it is taking to Exeter's New Theatre from August 20 until September 11.

The company's Amanda Nott said: "It feels pretty good to win, it was quite hard graft to put it together.

"We got to the showground at about 6.45am and it took about an hour to set it up.

"We've had a lot of interest. We have been talking about it for about three weeks."

The Mid Devon Show, which is in its 17th year, has been organised by Carolyn Branton for 15 years. She said: "The final figures are yet to come in but we think we had around 500 more people this year than last.

"I think people like the show because it is extremely friendly, the stands are local and it is about the right size.

"Our formula is to design it so people can spend the day here and see almost everything, but not quite — that means they always want to come back next year."

Mrs Branton is now starting to organise next year's show.