The sun shines on the Cheshire County Show 2012

Visitors to this year's  Cheshire CountyShow were treated to glorious sunshine as well as a packed two days of farming and fun.

Thousands of people flocked to the agricultural event at Tabley Showground, near Knutsford, and with many new attractions and thousands of animals including livestock, horses, dogs and pigs, this year’s show has so far been busier than ever.

Although organisers are still counting up ticket sales, they believe entry on the gate so far has been higher than last year.

This year’s show also welcomed Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex on Tuesday who was given a tour of the showground, to find out about all that is great and good about farming in Cheshire.

Nigel Evans, Executive Director of the Cheshire County Show, said: "Reports indicate that ticket sales on the gates have increased from last year.

"The effort of everyone who has put so much into making the show happen has been rewarded with some fantastic weather and seeing so many visitors with smiles on their faces having a good time.”

New attractions in 2012 include a 4x4 course in the Countryside Experience Area, sponsored by Gallagher Mitsubishi, where the public can sample the thrill of off-road driving.

Katy Cropper, the only woman to win BBC show ‘One man and his dog’, has also been wowing the crowds with her duck and geese herding display.

The main ring is hosting a thrilling schedule where attractions will include a display by one of the UK’s leading quad bike and motorbike stunt riders, Jason Smyth, and live music from the Scots Guard Association Pipe and Drum Band.

Visitors can also sample the culinary delights of the Roberts Bakery Food Hall and learn about the journey their food takes from ‘plough to plate’ in the Sainsbury’s Agri-centre.

Tony Garnett, Chairman of the Cheshire County Show, said: "We are delighted with the weather and the turn out.

"It was very special to welcome Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex to the show. She was very interested in the agricultural side of things and was talking to farmers and breeders to find out more about what they do.”