Families flocked to the sunny Wiltshire Game and Country Show – and the rain-soaked disaster of last year was well and truly forgotten.

There were 12,000 visitors to Bowood, which was staging the event for the third time at the weekend. Visitors tried their hand at country pursuits ranging from archery and angling to shooting and gundog handling.

Organisers were delighted with the turn-out, which showed what a difference a year makes. Only 2,000 braved the rain and the event ended early last year.

Mark Hulme, of Living Heritage Events, which runs the show, said: “The first year was very good, but then last year was rained off – this year was the best yet.”

The fair launched a Food Glorious Food arena featuring food stalls and chef demonstrations, which Mr Hulme said, “went down very well.”

“We must have had more than 40 food exhibitors as well as cookery demonstrations in the kitchen area and specialist catering stalls.”

Organisers are planning to return to Bowood every year.

Mr Hulme said: “Bowood is such a nice place to go to and people seem to enjoy coming. It has such a nice atmosphere when the sun is shining.

“This is an annual event and it seems to have established itself on the calendar.

“We will continue to bring the show to Bowood.”