The 2012 Devon County Show lived up to its billing as the biggest party in Devon with one of the biggest crowds in modern times enjoying the celebratory atmosphere of a region welcoming the Olympic torch and preparing for HM The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Show President Mary Quicke predicted the Show would be the best party in the county; and judging by the great attendance on all three days, fabulous line-up of entertainment headlined by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and wonderful livestock, it was.

'Beyond amazing' was the verdict of the thousands who enjoyed the Mounties so much that many went back to watch their musical ride a second time.

“It has been a marvellous Show,” said delighted Show Secretary Ollie Allen. “We have brought together the best that Devon has to offer - rural, agricultural, commercial and the voluntary sector – and formed a huge shop window for life in the Westcountry.

“We don’t have exact attendance figures yet, but based on our best guesstimate we are sure we have more than 95,000 visitors and probably the biggest crowd since the Mounties were last here in 2000. But numbers aren't the whole picture; we want every single person to have a lovely day."

She added: "Some people think a great county show needs heat and sunshine. But actually the weather we've had is perfect. The animals love this sort of weather - not too hot, wet or cold; perfect for everyone, including visitors."

The scene was set on day one when Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for the Environment, officially opened the County Show in front of a packed crowd. The opening ceremony was followed by the first magnificent performance of the Mounties who later chatted to the crowds.

In the sheep lines Britain's favourite farmer Adam Henson judged rare breed sheep and met lots of people involved in many aspects of the Show.

On Friday the Military Wives wowed the crowds when they took to the bandstand for a lunchtime concert. And ex-River Cottage tv chef Tim Maddams chomped his way through pounds of sausages as a judge in the Spring Sausage Competition.

On Saturday the crowds around the Mole Valley Farmers Main Arena were thrilled to see PC John Wilton get down on one knee to propose to Vicki White in front of the Mounties. Vicki said yes!

Star of BBC's The Voice, Adam Isaac, brought his guitar and sang to delighted crowds.

And Devon's Olympic hopeful Sonny Webster, an 18-year-old-weightlifter, came to the Show with girlfriend Holly.

And the big numbers through the gates have been reflected in a healthy boost to the businesses exhibiting at this year’s Show - trade stand holders have reported doing a roaring trade throughout.

There has been a strong emphasis on agriculture, reflecting not only public interest but also the growing consensus that the UK needs to expand food production to guarantee food security.

New this year were trial plots on the Showground established by Mole Valley Farmers (MVF) to demonstrate to farmers how they can grow more and better grass for their livestock. In addition the new Mole Valley Farmers – Centre for Agriculture, located at the end of Westpoint Hall, was supported by MVF staff who have a range of technical expertise from feed and forage specialists to animal health.

There were more agricultural trade stands this year - more than 6,229 sq metres of agricultural trade space (compared to 4,767 sq metres in 2011). As ever, the livestock have been a major attraction at the County Show. The crowds were drawn by more than 7,000 animals – from great bulls to furry guinea pigs to brightly honey bees - on display.

Food and drink has again played a massive part in the Show’s popularity and 2012 has seen the very best that the Westcountry has to offer being sampled on site or snapped up to be savoured later. The new Taste of the West's food court was a big hit with visitors who loved tucking into a local hog roast, burgers made from beef cattle raised and grazed on Dartmoor and award winning Otter Dairy Icecream.

Darts Farm and Bicton College told the fold story – from field to plate – with students bringing animals into Dart’s famous food teepees to show visitors how good breeding produces excellent meat.

The equine section was as popular as ever with a tremendously competitive field and, fittingly in this, HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, The Queen’s horse Balmoral Erica (Grey Dun Highland Mare, b 2007, s Balmoral Moss, d Balmoral Flame, Breeder Exhibitor) won the prestigious Cuddy Championship.