Organisers of Dorset County Show have thanked the army of volunteers and thousands of visitors for making the event a huge success.

County show chairman Wakely Cox said he wanted to thank all the visitors for coming, as well as the traders, sponsors and volunteers.

“The show just simply could not happen without all these people helping usand I think it’s important we say that. The people who bring their livestock, the general public and, of course, our volunteer force are so important.We have only got a few paid employees.”

Mr Cox added: that this year’s event was ‘really successful’.“The number of traders is up, the number of exhibitors, the amount of livestock, everything has increased.”

He believes the county show also has a knock-on financial effect on Dorchester and the surrounding area.

“People come from miles away – judges for instance – so they stay locally. I think it brings people back every year because it’s so convenient to get to from Dorchester, there’s easy access and there really is something for everyone.

“Myself and a lot of the other organisers are hands on farmers, and that will always be at the heart of the show. A lot of people come to see the livestock and the country pursuits but there’s also shopping, entertainment, the food village." People want to see different things and we try to provide that.”

The price is also a factor, he believes.

“It’s an affordable, fun day out for families. Entry is free for children, so the parents have money to spend, and that’s important to encourage traders."

“We will look at what we can do to improve for next year, but we have to remember that it’s a success as it is, so it won’t change too much. It was a fantastic show for our 175th year.

“The event really grows and grows, and that’s down to our volunteers and all our supporters.”

A spokesperson for Richard Cozens, acting show secretary, said the number of visitors at this year’s event will not be revealed.