Ref. 27147SUMMER downpours failed to dampen spirits at the West Wilts Show with up to 80,000 people enjoying the entertainment on offer.

Although the numbers were down on previous years due to the bad weather, organisers hailed the show as a success.

Between Thursday and Saturday a predicted 80,000 people had browsed the stalls, marquees and enjoyed the entertainment.

Louise Knox, West Wiltshire District Council spokesman, said: "We received some fantastic feedback from visitors and stall holders.

"It was a very successful show even though the weather conditions had an affect on the number of people who turned up."

The celebration of west Wiltshire included displays from businesses, entertainers and exhibitions by towns and villages.

Stefan Barbaruk, from Wessex Chamber of Commerce, said: "Despite the weather the show was a huge success. We had businesses' representatives from Holland, Poland and Germany who left very impressed.

"The organisers behind the event ran a very well prepared show."

Each town in the district held

an exhibition inside marquees including Dilton Marsh, which was the only village to join in.

Lookalikes of Only Fools and Horses characters Del Boy and Uncle Albert were on hand to launch the show.

The event was officially opened by Sir John Holmes, the UK ambassador to France, and HTV presenter Peter Rowell.

A Tesco demonstration kitchen was set up for celebrity TV chef Brian Turner and green-fingered experts from ITV1 show Garden Roadshow were available for advice.

Ref. 13842A full timetable of music and entertainment amused the crowds ,including 16-year-old Westbury singing sensation MiMi.

Bradford-on-Avon band Black-bud also hit the stage just weeks after wowing the crowd at Glastonbury.

Virtually every blade of grass was covered by stalls and exhibitions from local businesses.

Under the cover of temporary marquees visitors browsed through craft fairs and garden shows.

Many revellers got active at the healthy living exhibition in the Civic Hall sponsored by the Wiltshire Times.

The Civic Hall also hosted a business show, and ambassador Sir John Holmes spent Thursday linking-up with bosses from around Wiltshire on a new internet communication link.

On Saturday the town centre had a continental feel and stalls were set up for a French market.

A successful park and ride scheme helped take visitors to and from the show.

The the event is held every two years in Trowbridge Park.