DESPITE a ten per cent drop in visitor numbers, organisers have hailed the Royal Cornwall Show 2012 a success.

Almost 114,000 people attended the show, which was staged over three days at Wadebridge last week.

The total is down on last year’s figure of 127,300 and the organisers believe the main reason for that was the poor weather in the build up to and on days one and two of the show.

“Naturally, it is disappointing,” said show secretary Christopher Riddle.

“We would have liked it to have been up on last year's levels but there are some things over which we have no control.

“Those who did come had a great show to experience, from every aspect.

“The farming element was top class and the main ring entertainment was probably the most spectacular we have ever staged.

“And of course, there was the shopping. That is something every visitor is tempted by.”

The total number of people visiting the show was 113,775. Last year's attendance was 127,388. The record of 129,000 was set in 2008.

Highlights of the show included Professor Splash, who dived 30 feet into just 12 inches of milk.

Among the competitors at the show were Helston and St Keverne YFC, who entered many of the classes in the YFC marquee, winning five of the cups on offer.

These were the Bibby's Perpetual Challenge for Most Points in Dairy Judging, Roger Trewhella Challenge for Most Points in Beef Judging, Prudential Assurance Company Perpetual Challenge for Most Points in Lamb Judging, Spiller Challenge Shield for Most Points in all Stock judging Classes and the Bill Dunston Memorial Challenge was given to Daniel Rowe for Individual Junior Dairy Judging.

The club finished second overall.

This Thursday’s meeting is a visit to Newtown Riding stables leaving Helston Rugby Club at 6.40pm or meeting there at 7pm.