Second day of the Berkshire Show starts

The weather doesn't deter visitors to the biggest event in the region

The second day of the Royal County of Berkshire Show kicks of with a Service of Harvest Thanksgiving.

The service was led by the Reverence Canon Glen Evans DL, and accompanied by the Corina Band and Bugles of Oxfordshire (The Rifles) Battalion Army Cadet Force and the Stevenson Church Choir.

In the address Rev Evans emphasised the importance of food and spoke a little of the work that the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution does for the farming community which includes helping the farming community when times are difficult.

He said: "It is ironic that the farming community need food vouchers to survive when times are hard."

11:35-12:25 - British National Scurry Driving Championship

The reigning champion of the Scurry Driving Championship Karen Morris lost the title to Paul Isaac from Neath in Glamorgan driving with ponies Fast and Furious.

There were 17 competitors in the frantic high-speed precision race.

The winning time was 50:30 seconds.

Here we see Mild and Bitter the Shetland ponies, with rider Sally Newell who completed the run in 71.20.

11:30 Parade of Hounds

Hunting is the "glue that keeps the countryside together, said the announcer as the hounds took to the main arena.

And drag hunting is reportedly becoming increasingly popular.

Among those displaying were the foxhounds of the local Vine and Craven Hunt, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the amalgamation of the two hunts.

3.15pm

The Cookery Theatre is crowded to capacity as Andy Watts from The Pheasant demonstrates saddle of venison with sweet potato jus and a risotto of pearl barley.

4pm:

Judging of the livestock.

5.30pm:

The hot air balloons take off into a spectacularly sunny sky as the show draws to a close. Show president Kirsten Loyd describes the weekend as "a fundamental part of our rural community life."

For a full report, plus lots of pictures, grab a copy of the Newbury Weekly News on Thursday.