Rain dominated the Thame Show this year -- when it wasn't raining it was threatening to do so, and heavy showers throughout the day kept people in the show tents on the Kingsey Road showground.

But it is an ill rain that does no-one any good -- the countrywear stalls did a roaring trade with wellies, raincoats, hats and umbrellas to the people who had tempted fate by arriving in shirt sleeves to what is also Oxfordshire's county show.

Show secretary Mike Howse said: "We work all year to provide the biggest one-day agricultural show in England and the weather can make or break all our efforts.

"But we have a loyal following in Thame and this year people defied the weather, came along and stayed all day.

"We may be a little down on the 20,000 expected through the gate, but it will not be by many."

Former mayor of Thame, Don Butler said: "Thame Show is one day a year, and people go there no matter what. The weather is to a large degree incidental. I have seen far worse rain than this year -- I have seen tractors pulling cars into the showground from first thing in the morning."

Nigel Campken-Woods, from Thame and District Classic Motor Club, said: "The only thing it has convinced me of is to get rid of my convertible -- the English weather is too unpredictable for it.

"But the weather does not stop us coming to Thame Show."

John Cartwright, who has been going to Thame Show for 48 years -- many of them as a chief steward -- said: "Thame Show is one day a year so we all go to it no matter what the weather."

The rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of the exhibitors in the cattle, sheep and dog sections, even though the animals were a lot more bedraggled than usual. The horticultural competitions had to take place inside the tents, alongside the rabbits, pigeons and caged birds.

In the main rings, the showjumping competitions and displays of country sports were well attended, as were the jousting and sword play display of the Knights of Arkley.

Both local and national good causes, such as Thame Hospital League of Friends, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and countryside and wildlife organisations, plus the armed services, had successful days.

Oxfordshire's emergency services had a strong presence at the show, urging people to take responsibility for their property by postcoding items and keeping smoke alarms up-to-date.