More than 19,825 people enjoyed sun and fun at the event held at the South of England Centre, Ardingly, near Haywards Heath on Sunday and Monday – and increase of 2,600 on last year's attendance.

With a colourful mix of flowers, gardening roadshows, animals, displays, music, crafts, trade stands, a fun fair, and mouth-watering local produce, there really was something for everyone.

Dogs were a star attraction with more than 1,000 entries in the Open Dog Show, which is a qualifier for Crufts.

BBC newscaster Nicholas Owen was on hand to award some of the prizes in the Llama and Alpaca Show, the largest of its kind in Europe. More than 300 of these charismatic creatures were taking part in the competition, which is always a huge draw with visitors.

Gardening roadshows, staged for the first time by the English Garden Magazine, were a big hit. A panel of experts, including The Sun's gardening writer Steve Bradley, were on hand to answer questions and members of the audience picked up advice, tips and a goodie bag. The friendly banter between the compére and experts added spontaneous enjoyment.

Visitors enjoyed the chance to get a close up look at the Sussex Air Ambulance which was based in the Ardingly ring throughout both days. The crowd saw the dramatic spectacle of the helicopter taking off and landing, when it was called out on several missions over the weekend. The show base provided visitors with an operational insight into this vital emergency service.

The relaxing sounds of a steel band and Peruvian music added to the laid back holiday feel of the show and shoppers took advantage of leisurely shopping at the wide range of trade stands.

Deborah Barber, Director of the South of England Agricultural Society, said: "We are delighted with the attendance, it was wonderful to see so many people coming along to enjoy the show.

"The whole weekend had a really relaxed, happy feel, and the glorious weather really was a welcome bonus."

She added: "The Spring Garden & Leisure Show is the Society's first big event of 2008 and it has got the year off to a great start, we are now busy preparing for the South of England Show which runs from June 5 to 7."


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