VISITORS and an exotic menagerie of animals sweltered alike beneath a blazing sun as Romsey Show enjoyed one of its best years yet.

Organisers said visitor numbers were well up on last year's 26,000 and the Broadlands Estate saw sheep and cattle farmers return in droves after being barred two years ago in the foot and mouth epidemic.

But they were far from the most unusual animals there. That prize would have to go to a couple of otters on display, along with llamas and a host of exotic birds.

The heart of the event lies in the nine show rings, where dog owners strut with their pets and visitors watch displays of anything from horse jumping and hackney carriage driving to falconry.

One of the highlights of this year's show was the Devil's Horsemen, an all-action Wild West show of horsemanship and shooting modelled on Buffalo Bill's legendary troupe.

Romsey beat officer Andy Preston said the day went "smooth as silk" and the happy faces of sunbathing show-goers as they guzzled ice-creams seemed to support him.