More than 80,000 people attended this year’s Kent County Show, organisers have revealed.

Despite a serious accident which closed the M20 London-bound on the first day of the event, the three-day celebration of everything Kentish, was a huge success.

Visitor numbers were lower than expected on Friday but numbers increased during the weekend.

The Kent County Agricultural Society were keen to ensure that animal safety and welfare was key during three very warm days.

That meant The Grand Parade of Livestock was cancelled on the first day and on-site vets worked hard to ensure that animals were kept cool.

The slighter cooler weather on Saturday and Sunday morning resulted in a more comfortable temperature for the livestock on site.

Headlining the entertainment this year was The Shetland Pony Grand National which captivated the crowds in the main ring.

The grandstands were full on all three days when the young riders started their races.

The jockeys, aged between eight and 13, entertained the crowds.

The spectacular saw children take part in a high-speed dash on their pint size Shetland Ponies.

Concours D’Elegance where riders paraded in beautiful costumes, also enthralled the crowds.

The Grand Prix Show Jumping was a thrilling competition with Robert Whitaker taking the first prize of £3,000 and second place as well.

Visitors also enjoyed the fast paced spectacular Osborne Refrigerator Double Harness Scurry, the majestic heavy horse classes and the beautiful miniature ponies and horses.

Livestock entries saw a significant increase in 2017 and this ensured that visitors were able to see more competitions and enjoy a greater number of animals, particularly in the sheep area with the highest number of entries in a decade.

Cattle entries were the highest since 2012 with Folkestone-based J Warnock & Son winning Supreme Dairy Champion and Barwood & Padfield, from Norfolk, winning Supreme Beef Champion.

Lucy Hegarty, show manager, said: “The increased livestock entries, fantastic show weather, wonderful displays and demonstrations gave this year’s show a really vibrant atmosphere and we were also delighted to report, in spite of visitor numbers, no problems with the traffic flow and car parking.

"The new food hall had a few teething problems which will be looked at for next year with the help of exhibitor feedback.

"Whenever there is a large change to the layout it takes a few years for everyone to get used to the revisions.

"The footfall for our trade exhibitors is something we take very seriously”.

Elsewhere on the showground the new Garden Life marquee proved popular with visitors able to see Kent Beekeepers, Kent Federation of Horticultural Societies, Flower Show exhibitors, floral art competitions and the Garden Cafe in one large marquee.

The shady woodland area was a cool haven for visitors who were able to escape the sunshine to wander down to the beautiful working horses and traditional craftsmen.

The T-Rex Show, Titan the Robot, Punch and Judy and Mr & Mrs Flora captivated audiences whenever they performed as did the ever popular Sheep Show, Dog and Duck Display and Birds of Prey.

The BBC Radio Kent, World Record Salsa Dance Lesson, attempt on Saturday was not successful but organisers said everyone that joined ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ male professional, AJ Pritchard had a wonderful time.

Show chairman Kevin Attwood agreed glorious sunshine helped to swell visitor numbers.

"The trade stands this year were exceptional with many of them offering wonderful activities especially for younger visitors," he said.

"This gave the show a real family feel and everywhere you looked you could see how much fun people were having.

"In particular we are grateful to the agricultural machinery stands that brought their equipment up to the show this year, the displays in the area were exceedingly well received by visitors who were fascinated by the technology and innovation that modern farmers use”.

• The dates for the 2018 show are Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 6-8.