Thousands of people have been soaking up the sun, sights and sounds of the annual Leicestershire County Show.

An army of volunteers, supporters, traders and competition entrants helped make the 167th show a roaring success.

The gates opened on Melton Airfield yesterday morning and were set to close this evening. About 25,000 to 30,000 people were expected to attend over the two days.

Highlights have included show jumping, sheepdog trials, farming machinery exhibits, traditional farmyard animals, hunting dogs and ferret racing.

Members of the public soaked up the atmosphere, while enjoying fairground rides, food demonstrations, country clothes stalls and woodcraft displays.

One of the biggest success stories was a "Scrufts" competition for family dogs.

Show director Liz Earle said there had been a constant flow of cars on to the vast site.

She said: "It's been frantic but it seems to be going okay. Ticket sales have been right up and there have been lots of children.

"We quadrupled pre-sales on last year thanks to radio publicity.

"If the weather stays nice we are expecting up to 30,000 people over the two days.

"A lot of the smaller county shows have closed this year, but we seem to be getting stronger."

Farm machinery enthusiast Lee Gilbert, 31, from Ashby, was celebrating after winning the most original tractor award for his recently restored 1934 Allis Chalmers tractor.

A member of the Kegworth Vintage Horticultural Club, he said it wonderful to be able to show off his hard work to the crowds.

He said: "We're here to encourage new members and promote what we do and have a social event. The reactions from people have been really positive.

"The competition is more for our entertainment."

Sarah and Neil Weir-Smith, travelled from Market Bosworth for the day with children Brogan, nine, Mollie, six, and Oliver, two.

Mrs Weir-Smith said: "Our children have two ponies and it's something they've really been looking forward to. They've already said they'd like to compete in future shows.

"We've never been before so we're just taking everything in."

Caitlin Richman, six, from nearby Thorpe Satchville, was at the show with mum, Melanie, and dad, Andy.

She said: "I like the horses and the doggies. One of the dogs was pretending he was playing at home with his friend. They were very funny."

Zoe Davies, secretary of the British Ferret Club, said 150 ferret owners had travelled to compete in a various competitions.

She said: "It's gone really well and people have travelled from as far afield as Essex."

Judge and ferret lover Jill Pickard said they were checking everything from speed and agility to condition, cleanliness and temperament.

She said: "Competitions such as this encourage people to look after their pets.

"We get a lot of newcomers asking questions, who end up coming back the next year with their own ferrets."