WELLIES, umbrellas and anoraks were out in force yesterday, when thousands of people braved the mud and rain at the Monmouthshire Show.

Immaculately-kept animals showed off their best features to the crowds and judges at Monmouthshire Showground in Redbrook Road, Monmouth.

The show’s countryside ring hosted a vintage machinery parade, cider demonstrations, a dog and duck show and a display by a dog agility team, during which the dogs jumped through flames and climbed ladders.

Among the wide variety of horse classes were ladies side saddle, show jumping and scurry driving competitions.

The show also featured cattle, sheep, goats and there were almost 200 different classes entered by around 1,000 dogs.

Away from the animals, there were 90 handicraft competitions and 90 horticulture competitions - with entries varying from home-grown vegetables to cooked and preserved fruits.

Music was provided by Monmouth Town Band and there was also magic shows, juggling and unicycling.

Due to poor weather in the afternoon, organisers were forced to cancel an acrobatic aerial display by three vintage aeroplanes, which had been planned to celebrate the life of Charles Rolls.

This year marks a century since the Monmouth aviation pioneer and co-founder of Rolls Royce became the first Briton to die in an air accident.

Last year’s show attracted almost 20,000 people, but organisers said the bad weather meant this year’s figure was down on that. The attendance figure had yet to be finalised as the Argus went to Press.

Show secretary Kay Spencer said: “Despite the weather, it’s been a good day and we’re delighted that so many people have come and braved the weather.”