THOUSANDS of visitors were glad of the summer breeze as the sun shone once again on another three days of bumper fun at the Kent Show.

Now in its 77th successive year the event, which is sponsored by the Kent Messenger Group, expected to beat the 105,000 who flocked last year to the County Showground, Detling.

Despite the hot weather the animals in competition were beautifully turned out. Competition was also tough once again among the Young Farmers Clubs.

There was plenty for the whole family to do with a new children’s play zone and the food and drink marquee attracted some of the biggest crowds over the course of the weekend.

The KM Kids Activity Zone featured plenty of challenging activities to keep the young ones entertained, including the magnetic Spider Climb Wall Aeroball, Bungee Trampoline and Water Wars. had kids queuing eager to get a piece of the action.

Siblings George and Lauren Smart from Snodland, took to the trampoline while mum and dad Matt and Chloe Smart watched on in a mild panic taking photographs.

"The kids had a great time on the bungee. The show is a lot more child friendly and although they love the animals, this gives them a chance to be a bit more adventurous," said Mrs Smart.

More than 50 stalls offered a taste of foodie heavan with people queueing at the Produced in Kent tent eager to snap up homemade fudge and other sweet delights.

Over at the floral marquee Kingswood couple Alli and Perry Drew-Cook had a spicy collection of more than 70 chilli plants that left many an eye watering.

The Forestry and Countryside Area was busy with displays on how to make traditional garden rugs, chair making and basket weaving.

There were also displays of otters and birds of prey with children and parents cautiously welcomed inside the pens to stroke and say hello to people-friendly wolves.

One parent Sue Harvey from Maidstone said: "They were so docile I could hardly believe it. They were lovely. It was a real experience."

Among the more unusual stalls to browse was Ecoffins, a Sittingbourne based company, keen to show some alternatives for journeys to the hereafter.

The firm produces 250 100 per cent biodegradable wicker coffins a month made from either bamboo or willow.

The company focuses on the eco friendly side of burials and have recently been awarded fair-trade status in China, where its factory is based.

Their biggest claim to fame has been supplying a wicker coffin for the funeral of much loved Emmerdale character Seth Armstrong. Two more are on offer.