IT just keeps getting worse.

When you thought the summer couldn't be more of a washout, along comes yet another day of storms and flooding.

Even as hundreds of calls were being made to Hampshire's floodline, organisers of the county's premier event were insisting the show would go on.

Jackie Neylon, spokesman for the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, said: "We have had literally dozens of phone calls from members of the public asking if the show is cancelled. It is most definitely not cancelled and we are looking forward to a great show.

"Our chief executive Richard Cuzens banned all vehicles from the show ground, except on the gravel tracks, five weeks ago specifically to preserve the grass.

"There are definitely rumours going around, perhaps because other shows up and down the country have been cancelled. But the ground is perfect here and the show is definitely going ahead.

"All the preparations are going to plan. The forecast for next week is cloudy with sunny intervals and some showers, but we don't want blistering sunshine anyway. It's just too hot then."

What about other events this weekend? There is the Fareham Gala Day today and the Victory Wheels Club's classic car show at Broadlands tomorrow. Organisers there were also bullish about prospects.

Fareham town centre manager Patricia Gray said: "We are very lucky because we are right in the middle of the town centre so no matter what the weather it will always be open and therefore we will go ahead as planned.

"For some organisers with an event in a park or field it can be very difficult and they have to make a decision to carry on or not but the Fareham funfair will continue whatever the weather.

"We have a covered shopping centre, shops, play buses and awnings so even if it does rain there is still plenty to do."

Trevor Walker, treasurer of the Victory Wheels Club, said: "We have been down here getting everything ready and I can safely say we will definitely not be beaten by the weather.

"A lot of people are coming down for the weekend and camping on the grass but at the moment it actually isn't that bad, the ground is quite firm so we are confident of a great few days. We have had to re-route a few things though to try and keep people off the grass as much as possible."

More than 750 calls were made to a special flooding helpline set up by Hampshire's fire service yesterday.

Crews spent the day responding to flood-related calls, stretching resources to breaking point.

With more heavy rainfall predicted for today and tomorrow, residents are being urged to only call 999 in life-threatening emergencies.

Chief Officer John Bonney of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We would advise the public that during a storm the emergency services will be very busy.

"Please only call for immediate assistance if there is a risk to life or serious property or environmental damage.

"Householders who do suffer general domestic flooding are asked to contact their insurance companies and not the fire service."

He warned that while officers will be sent out to emergencies, there may be a delay in responding.

Residents and visitors to the county should call the special Floodline on 0845 988 1188.