The biggest agricultural show in west Dorset returned after two years - and was described as a 'fantastic day'.

The extravaganza of Dorset's best agricultural life known as the Melplash Show took over the West Bay showground once more after a two-year break, welcoming thousands of visitors to the much-missed event.

Click through our interactive gallery above to see more of what happened on the day, including award-winning animals and daring horseback stunts.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: The Devil’s Horsemen performing in the main ring at the Melplash Show at Bridport.  25th August 2022.  Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography

This was a special year marking 175 years since the founding of the Melplash Agricultural Society which organises the event and was also the first show for two years because of the pandemic.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: The Devil’s Horsemen performing in the main ring at the Melplash Show at Bridport.  25th August 2022.  Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography

READ MORE: Melplash Show back today!

Society chairman James Vickery said: "It was the most fantastic day. To be able to welcome everyone back after two years of absence and to see people enjoying themselves on the showground was all I could have asked for.

"The Melplash Show brings the community together and gives people a real understanding of what their local farmers do.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Sheep judging at the Melplash Show at Bridport.  25th August 2022.  Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography

"All the main ring attractions were well received and as always the spectacular grand parade took centre stage. I can’t thank everyone enough for making it a very special day.”

The show attracted thousands of visitors and had more than 400 trade stands selling everything from locally produced food to tractors. This year the main sponsor for the show was the builder merchants Bradfords.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Claire and Chloe Burrough with their Clun Forest sheep which won Champion Group of Three at the Melplash Show at Bridport.  25th August 2022.  Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography

The definitive highlight of this year’s show was the main attraction of this year’s show: the world-famous Devil’s Horseman, who are best known for their work on films, most recently The Crown, Game of Thrones, and Lloyds Bank advertisements.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: The Devil’s Horsemen performing in the main ring at the Melplash Show at Bridport.  25th August 2022.  Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography

The group galloped across the main ring with an extravaganza of Cossack stunt riding and were joined by Dangerous Steve with his fire and chainsaw juggling.

Lucy Hart, Show Secretary said: “It was lovely to have the show back and to see everyone with smiles on their faces and having such a great time.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Crowds at the Melplash Show at Bridport.  25th August 2022.  Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography

"The last two years have been very challenging for us all, in particular our show contractors whose work as a result had completely dried up.

"Our many loyal volunteers have, as always, been fantastic and were brimming with ideas for the show and celebrating our 175th anniversary of the society, it was great to see it all coming together."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Wyld Morris performing at the Melplash Show at Bridport.  25th August 2022.  Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography

Other highlights included a best in the show, with prizes for the best sheep, cows and other animals, as well as a Discover Farming area aimed at educating families about farming and food production, which was themed 'Stay Healthy Dorset Style'.