Hampshire's biggest summer spectacular has received a major accolade.

The New Forest and Hampshire County Show has been highly commended in the tourism event category of the 2014 Beautiful South Tourism Awards.

Peter Colling, managing director of Tourism South East, said “Every year the Beautiful South Awards are a reminder of the amazing wealth of fantastic tourism businesses and experiences South East of England has to offer.

“And this year the overall standard of entries was higher than ever making it extremely tough for the judges. Some very fine businesses narrowly missed the cut and the finalists truly are the best of the best.”

First held in 1921, the Daily Echo-backed New Forest Show has grown into a three-day event that attracts more than 90,000 spectators from across the south.

Show secretary Denis Dooley said: “It was a great honour to receive this award and is a huge recognition for the 495 volunteers who help to make the show happen.

“It's an example of how successful the show has become and we're very much looking forward to 2015.”

Next year's event will be held at New Park, Brockenhurst, on July 28-30.