THOUSANDS of people made this year's Dunster Show a record breaking event as fine weather and the promise of a grand family day out brought visitors flocking to the showground. Although exact numbers were not known, the committee was confident more visitors than ever before had poured through the gates to see West Somerset's premier agricultural show for themselves. And there was plenty for them to see as more competitors than ever vied for the honours in the cattle, sheep and horse classes, while an action- packed programme of events in the main ring ensured there was never a dull moment during the day. Family favourites the Rockwood Dog Display Team showed off their agility and obedience skills, while the Devil's Horsemen entertained with a death- defying display of medieval jousting. Falconer Michael Davie just about managed to beat the strong winds during his displays - although one Harris hawk did try and gatecrash the member's tent after getting blown off course. Horses and hounds from a number of local hunts also caused a bit of stir when some of the hounds took the 'meet the children' session a little too literally and attempted to share burgers and chips being enjoyed by youngsters outside of the main ring. Food was also very much on the agenda in the Gerald David and Family Butchers' marquee as Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell- Grainger took part in a cooking demonstration led by chef Andrew Dixon of Porlock Weir's award- winning Andrew's on the Weir. Across on the village green there was musical entertainment from the Tone Valley Jazz Band and the RAFA Concert Band, while Tony James kept younger visitors enthralled with a traditional Punch and Judy show. Visitors of all ages were able to take part in circus workshops and enjoy the thrill of the fair on a range of rides. Williton-based Gliddon and Sons was named as the best trade stand among the scores taking part, which included both national and local firms such as Miles Tea and Coffee, Nutcombe Chocolates, Brendon Hill Crafts, Tower Farms, Badcock and Evered and, of course, the West Somerset Free Press. Staff manning the newspaper stand knew it was going to be a record-breaking day when they sold out of catalogues just after midday. Show chairman Edward Down said it was first time catalogues had sold out and said it was proof of how popular the show had become. Mr Down said: "We as a committee feel we have to entertain our visitors who come from far and wide while maintaining a strong agricultural focus. "I'm very happy that we gave people what they wanted - we had more visitors than ever before and the weather was perfect. "I must also say how terrific it is that our sponsors continue to support us year after year." Local MP Mr Liddell-Grainger, pictured with Pete Baker of local company Styles Ice Cream, was full of praise for the show as he made his way around the myriad of stalls and sideshows. He told the Free Press: "This is certainly the biggest show I've seen since I've been in West Somerset and it's certainly the busiest I've seen it. "There is such a wide range of things for people to see and do and I've seen so many friends and people I know, which is always the sign of a good country show. "I'm really, really impressed by the standard of this year's event and I'm very pleased for the committee that it went so well after everybody's hard work." * Winsford rider Susan Cunningham brought home the top honours for the second year running in the HORSE AND PONY classes. Her three-year-old filly Howtown Mazurka retained the President's Prize and Crittall Warmlife Perpetual Challenge Cup, a trophy first clinched at last year's show, and was also named reserve in the Highlight Challenge Cup for the best hack. . ..... * CATTLE: Brompton Regis farmer Colin Hutchings scored a hat-trick of successes at this year's Dunster Show and walked off with the supreme championship for the second year running. His superb three-year-old Limousin Goldies Trophy won the Wellington Hotel Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best exhibit in the beef classes, while his Aberdeen Angus heifer Kingsbrompton Miss Ethel took the reserve championship. Colin also produced three section champions, taking the top prize in the continental, commercial and Aberdeen Angus classes..... . * Hot from success at the prestigious Royal Show last month, Marshall Farms, in Luxborough, all but swept the boards in the Texel and pure or crossbred SHEEP classes, claiming ten firsts in 11 classes. Overall, the team clinched ten first places, five seconds and two thirds as well as three cups for the best local exhibit, best Texel and best group of three. .... ..... * But it was the Charollais who championed overall at Dunster with Gloucestershire husband and wife team John and Ann Griffiths taking home the Dick Tucker Memorial Cup for best exhibit in the sheep classes for the second year running. They also took four firsts, two seconds and two third places back home to Wotton-under-Edge. ...