RAIN clouds loomed as crowds gathered at the annual Bucks County Show today.

Weedon Park, north of Aylesbury, played host to the show, which seeks to showcase a variety of shows and trades.

More than 200 trade stands lined the muddy walkways, with an assortment of horse, sheep and dog shows providing entertainment for visitors.

Welly-clad show attendees faced traffic queues for entry, but intermittent spells of sun rewarded those who visited the village park, which drew thousands of visitors from across the county and beyond.

Bill Bendyshe-Brown, of Games and Wildlife Conservation Trust, and councillor for Princes Risborough and Wycombe District expressed his delight at the day.

He said: “The weather is awful, but it’s been clearing up nicely. I’m very much looking forward to it. It’s my tenth year here but it is always a good day”.

The family-orientated farmers show expected 20,000 visitors to attend the show, considered by many as the best One Day Agricultural Shows in the country.

Mr and Mrs Austin, of Aston Clinton, who were visiting with their children, said they knew what to expect from the weather for the show.

Mrs Austin said: “The weather is renowned for being bad, but we’re here to see everything, the animals, horses, everything. It’s a good family fun day out, even if it is a shame about the weather.”

Tradesmen from Bucks County were on hand to show off their skills.

Many of the tradesmen in attendance were regulars at the county show.

Peter Spavins, of Drayton Parslow, demonstrated traditional farrier skills in his third year of attendance at the show, and roof-thatcher Neil Painting was returning after an enjoyable 2011 debut at the show.

He said: “It’s a fantastic day. I’ve got 30 years experience in thatching roofs and the county show is a great place to show everyone how it’s done.”