CROWDS flocked to the ‘wonderful’ Melplash Show to celebrate the best of the west Dorset agriculture industry.

Up to 20,000 people slipped on their wellies at the West Bay showground, enjoying hundreds of classes and competitions ranging from livestock and showjumping to cookery.

This year also saw a performance from the RAF Falcons, who parachuted into West Bay – while the popular Discover Farming scheme was introduced for the first time.

Discover Farming allowed youngsters to have a go at a host of activities including pressing apples and cow milking from Hurdlebrook Farm – while learning about where food comes from.

Show organiser Kathy Dare said: “It has been really heaving.

“I think all the competitions and all the demonstrations have been excellently received. The whole idea behind the Melplash Show is to promote local farms and educate people on where their food comes from.

“It is crucial to get young people interested in agriculture and to show them that they can make a career out of farming. It’s also great for people to see the technology that is used in the industry and how food is produced in the modern age.”

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin enjoyed the event, and was meeting with members of the National Farming Union.

“These events really matter to the farming community,” said Mr Letwin.

“I think these shows are a great way of everybody coming together and showing some of what west Dorset and the agricultural world has to offer.”

Despite the muddy conditions, no further rain fell, with the sun even making the odd appearance.

As well as awards for animals and flowers, there was a competition for ‘Bridport’s Best Banger’ – while local producers showed off their goodies in the bustling food hall.

The West Dorset Vintage Tractor and Stationary Engine Club was also in action, demonstrating traditional farming methods.

Bridport Mayor Sandra Brown praised the ‘wonderful’ event which she believes is vital in helping to get young people excited about the industry.

“We are so lucky that we still have all the farming families in Bridport and west Dorset,” she said.

“We have lost a lot of the farming shops in the town over the years, but we haven’t lost the families. Once again, the Melplash Show has been absolutely wonderful.

“I think it is very important to get young people excited about farming and there are so many practical things on offer for everyone to see.”

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