Warm weather brought out huge crowds to the annual Cheshire County Show.

Over 40,000 people basked in the humid temperatures as the agricultural extravaganza kicked off the first of two days in Tabley, near Knutsford.

It was the perfect weather for a host of animal parades, daring motorcycle stunts and show-jumping competitions, while farmers competed to win best sheep, cattle and pig prizes during the opening day.

There were also birds of prey, sheep dog displays and even ferret races.

With the rain staying away, it was ice creams doing a roaring trade among the crowds - although there were huge food halls filled with all sorts of tempting foodie treats for families heading to the show.

Great Budworth Dairy Ice Cream Farm staff were getting into the World Cup spirit - serving up their cones in England footballer face masks as well as creating a special Brazilian-themed flavour for the show.

But manager Rachel Wilkinson said: “It doesn’t matter what new flavours we come up with, vanilla always outsells everything else far and away. We’re hoping with the fine weather we will sell litres and litres of ice cream at this year’s show.”

The food halls included the annual cheese competition - this year won by a Taw Valley organic cheddar. Although Cheshire Cheese-makers Belton were celebrating the most total awards on the day - with five gongs - won on home turf.

Coronation Street star turned cheesemaker Sean Wilson has become a regular face at the show with his Saddleworth Cheese Company and said it marks the start of summer for him.

He said: “For me, the Cheshire Show means midsummer. And this year it’s great because all the denim shorts are out, and the Hunter wellies, but thankfully no need for the Barbour jackets so far.

“We like to think we’ve brought the sun down from Oldham with us for the show.”

Sean, who played Corrie’s Martin Platt, recently launched his own northern cookbook, and did a series of food demonstrations on the day including creating a giant Yorkshire pudding.

While many show goers took advantage of the warm weather in hotpants and maxi dresses, there was also a nod to the 100-year anniversary of the First World War with many dressing in vintage attire.

The Cheshire Show was cancelled in 1914 and was not held again until 1920 during the war years, and show chairman Tony Garnett has dedicated several areas of this year’s show to highlight the importance of farming and food production during that time.

The show continues on Wednesday with thousands more expected to attend - and motorists have been advised to get to the Tabley showground early to avoid lengthy queues reported on Tuesday morning on roads surrounding the area.

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