The Newark Showground was packed as the huge crowds took advantage of the soaring temperatures and blue skies to watch the array of displays and attractions on offer –– from the Stuntworld motorcycle display team and J. C. Balls dancing diggers to showjumping and vintage tractor displays.

And in this age where experts are urging us all to do our bit to help the environment, the show also featured a special Environment Village where visitors could get the latest tips on reducing their carbon footprint and all things green.

Sights and sounds were not the only senses catered for however, as tastes and smells enticed visitors into a huge food hall where they tucked into mouthwatering local produce like burgers and sausages as well as cakes, ice creams and fresh fruit and veg.

Younger visitors also relished the summer sunshine and enjoyed the dazzling array of animals on display, feeding baby goats and catching a glimpse of exotic alpacas.

Rally

David and Margaret Howard, of Upper Pleasley, also got into the spirit of the event by entering their classic 1940s Hillman Hawk into the vintage car rally.

"This is the first time we've been here and we've only owned the car for a year," said Margaret. "It's such a lovely atmosphere, it's not about winning it's more for meeting other people with the same interest and enjoying the event."

The 60-year-old car, nicknamed Old Tom, was lovingly restored by the pair and is the only Hillman Hawk known on the road.

"There's one more somewhere but we know that it's not on the road, it makes it a very special car," she told Chad.

The event also saw a flower marquee with a Gardeners' World Roadshow question time for guests to enjoy and an array of stalls and shops from businesses, small and large alike, who turned out to support the show.