Farming and rural businesses were given more than £100,000 of grants last year from the charity which runs the Kent County Show.

Two third of the money – about £66,000 – handed out by the Kent County Agricultural Society was a result of discounts for agricultural stands at the three-day annual exhibition.

Founded in 1923, the charity also supported several other organisations with donations including Kent Federation of Horticultural Societies, Kent Guides and Scouts and Kent Wildlife Trust.

The society – set up to improve rural business and support research and education – is largely funded by the county show, held at the Kent Showground in Detling each July.

Stuart Gibbons, chairman of the committee at its annual general meeting, said: “The show enables us, as one of the county’s leading rural charities, to fund and support a variety of rural organisations and individuals.

“We are delighted to ensure that many good causes will receive grants from us. We hope it will total in excess of £100,000 this year.”