Hunting dogs, showjumping horses and exotic animals kept the crowds entertained on the second day of the Leicestershire County Show.

A bit of damp weather did not stop thousands of people enjoying themselves.

Despite the miserable start to Bank Holiday Monday, more than 10,000 people turned up for yesterday's fun-packed programme of showjumping, tractor displays and other rural pursuits.

Organiser Liz Earle said: "It was a bit quiet in the morning, but the weather cleared about 11am, so it gave people plenty of time to come out.

"We've had astronomical numbers of entries in all of Monday's show categories, so it was an amazing day."

Among the highlights of the show at Melton Airfield was a display by the Quorn Hunt, who charged around the main display area with a pack of hounds.

Three-year-old Jemima Cosby from Countesthorpe, was among dozens of children who met the hounds. She said: "They're lovely. They're funny too. I really like dogs and I'm not scared of them."

Animals available to touch included woolly alpacas, brought to the show from Aston Flamville, near Hinckley, by Carrie Jackson.

She said: "They're clever animals and very therapeutic too.

"There's nothing more beautiful on a sunny day than a field of alpacas. They're not quite as soft when it's wet, though."

Helen Matthews, 43, from Oadby, was celebrating after her pet pooch Jake was named "handsomest dog".

She said: "I'm proud of him. It's his first time at this show because he's only 20 months. He's doing well and he also does agility – he's not bad when he concentrates!"

The show, held over Sunday and yesterday, is in its 167th year and is the first big event in the UK's agricultural show circuit.

This year, it focussed on entertaining youngsters with free rides and free tickets.

There was also more aimed at helping people grow their own food at home or on allotments.

There was also plenty of the traditional county show entertainment, such as sheep dog trials, cattle contests and showjumping.

Susan Allen. from Brooke, near Oakham, entered her horse, Gingernut, in the showjumping. Gingernut was ridden by her granddaughter, Harriet. Susan said: "It's a lovely spot for the event and the jumps are very good."

Anne Bailey, 50, from Thurnby, was also watching the showjumping. She said: "It's a great event and we're having a wonderful time.

"We've seen pigmy goats and lots of horses and dogs.

"It was a bit wet this morning – the car was sliding around on the way in so we were worrying a bit about what it would be like getting out again."

Suzanne Westwood, 36, from Wigston, was also having a good time despite the weather.

She said: "It wasn't much fun with all the rain, but we came out anyway to see all the livestock and the stalls.

"We've been to the petting zoo and seen the ferrets too. There's so much to do."