THOUSANDS turned out for the start of Dorset County Show today.

With entertainment ranging from the traditional horses and sheep to the thrilling antics of motorcycle stunt team Bolddog Ling, there was something for everyone.

Watch a video here:

Judges picked the best and the brightest from Dorset and beyond in livestock classes, from goats and pigs to teams of horses.

And this year the crowd got even closer to the stars of the show.

Sheep owners including David and Ruth Wilkins from Rampisham Hill Farm near Beaminster took their friendly Dorset Down Sheep for a stroll.

David said: "It's something new we wanted to try for this year, to let people stroke the sheep rather than just seeing them in their pens. People have been really interested in being able to touch their wool and have a go at handling them."

Also new to the show this year is Derek Williams and his team of showjumping llamas from Blackrock in Wales.

Derek said: "It is the first time we've brought the llamas here, though we also do dog displays o we have been to Dorset County Show before.

"The crowd here today have been amazing, and we've had so many interested people dropping by the pen to find out more about these lovely creatures."

And while sheep showing in a more traditional sense was taking place in the main ring, Stuart Barnes was content with nothing less than getting his charges to dance.

Originally from Christchurch in New Zealand, Stuart teamed up with Norfolk farmer Richard Savory to create his dancing sheep show.

He said: "The crowds were awesome today, and their enthusiasm really lifts the show."

All the acts, plus displays and competitions will also be on tomorrow, Sunday.