STROUD show was bigger and better than ever this year according to organiser Edna Powell.

Saturday’s event at Stratford Park saw an abundance of not just visitors but there was a marked increase in livestock entries too.

The show, established in 1932, boosted the largest collection of Dexter cattle at any country show around the UK this year with a total of fifty.

‘Moo’ve along to the show’ was the title of this year’s event with cows being the key inspiration for the day.

Rare and traditional breeds of livestock such as Gloucester cattle and Old Spot Pigs were displayed, along with rabbits and birds at the Horticultural Society stand.

"The day went beyond my expectations," Edna told the SNJ.

"We had a marvelous turn out and I cannot thank people enough for their contribution.

It’s the good will of everybody that makes Stroud Show what it is."

Other popular features included the vintage posters of past shows, Vintage cars and the display of knitted swim wear in the Knit and Natter tent from 1930s patterns.

There were plenty of pooches eager to take part in the dog agility show and the competition to find the waggiest tale as well as fairground rides, stalls and demonstrations in dry stone walling and sheep shearing which gave a taster of Cotswold heritage.

Vegetables andf flowers filled the Horticultural tent and the Stroud News & Journal's handwiriting competition was won by Oliver Neale, 9 of Cashes Green who won a Parker pen with Elise Bloodworth, 8, of Dursley and Freddie Wilson, 9, of Stroud in second and third place.

Author Katie Fforde officially opened the show and told the crowds: "I am so proud to open this show on this beautiful if somewhat blustery day. Please support all the charity stalls and do have a go on the tombola."

Radio Gloucestershire's Vernon Harwood had persuaded the Park family from Malmesbury to let him lead one of their Charlmoor Dexters around the judging ring.

After he had donned his white coat he admitted he was feeling quite nervous.

The family were awarded 2nd prize for the best pair in the show and Vernon said: "It was pretty nervewracking in there - when an animal that size doesn't want to go in the direction you are leading it there isn't an awful lot you can do."