On the hottest and sunniest Thame Show day in decades, visitors were greeted by Father Christmas in full robes and beard.

Barry Cato, from the Florence Nightingale hospice in Aylesbury, said: "It seemed like a good idea at the time, to promote our Christmas cards, but in this heat it has become a little uncomfortable.

"It makes people smile - or shake their heads - but they come in and support the hospice."

Yesterday's show, the biggest one-day agricultural show in England, has formally changed its name to the Oxfordshire County and Thame Show to promote its status as the only agricultural show in the county.

Show secretary Mike Hawes, welcoming the sunshine, said: "After last year's rain we needed a good day today and we've certainly got it.

"With such good weather, I'm expecting more than 20,000 people through the gate during the day."

And the crowds had plenty to keep them occupied, from the livestock classes to dogs, pigeons, rabbits, horticulture produce, country sports, sheep and gun dog displays, and top-name show jumpers.

The show went back to its roots with its annual ploughing match. It began in the 19th century as a ploughing contest between local farmers and now ploughmen compete with modern and vintage tractors and with horse teams.

Jonquil Jones, the manager of Thame's Cattle Market, was named Country Woman of the Year by the show organisers.

Ms Jones and farmers want to move their operation from the town centre cattle market in North Street to be on the Thame Show Ground, and a planning application for the move has been lodged with South Oxfordshire District Council.

In the main ring, crowds were thrilled by motorcycle and car stunt driving. Thame Classic Motor Club had its biggest ever display, and there were displays by woodmen, falconers and foxhounds and flyfishing demonstrations.

Music day was provided by the Band of the Parachute Regiment and Chinnor Silver Band.

This year's president is Hugo Brunner, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire.