THE Countess of Warwick Country Show 2009 has been hailed as the best ever after some 12,000 people turned out for the popular Bank Holiday festivities. On Sunday and Monday Little Easton was a hive of activity as people came from far and wide to see cl

THE Countess of Warwick Country Show 2009 has been hailed as the "best ever" after some 12,000 people turned out for the popular Bank Holiday festivities.

On Sunday and Monday Little Easton was a hive of activity as people came from far and wide to see classic cars, air displays, ploughing matches, tugs-of-war, music and a vast variety of rustic themed stalls and activities.

All the profits from the show go towards the upkeep of the churches of the Five Parishes.

Although the total money raised from has yet to be confirmed, a spokesman for the organisation committee branded the event a complete success.

"In terms of the number of visitors we had, the exhibits at the horticultural show and the bar takings, it was without a doubt the best one ever," he said. "It was a tribute to the hard work of so many people involved in its organisation.

"We estimate that 12,000 people turned out over the two days, which is a phenomenal amount for a small village show."

He added: "The show organisers would like to send a big thank you for the support of everyone who helped, volunteered and sponsored and helped to make the show such a success."

New events this year included the Tractor Challenge, an arena event involving taking wheels off tractors, rolling them round cones and back again. The Morgan, Austin Healey and Austin 7 clubs held rallies and four vintage fire engines were displayed.

"It was a fantastic two days with everything one could hope for from a small country show," said the spokesman.

Next year the Countess of Warwick Country Show celebrates its 21st anniversary and plans are already under way to top this year's success.

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