THOUSANDS of people turned out for the first day of the 77th Kent Show on Friday and were not disappointed with the delights on display this year.

Hundreds of stalls, animals and shows packed onto the county showground at Detling ready to entertain at a show that is bigger and better with more space devoted to a young, more lively audience.

The Kent Messenger's new interactive area, the Kids Activity Zone, encouraged children to scale the heights of the magnetic spider wall or fly high playing AeroBall.

Crowds watched displays from singers on the interactive stage, sampled Produced in Kent goodies, such as hand made fudge and local cider and got to grips with a life-sized robot who was touring the showground.

The three-day event will see hundreds of people take to the circle to compete in this year's awards and encourage more young people to get to grips with learning about and working with animals.

Traffic piled up as families drove to the showground eager to get in early and catch the attractions.