Thousands of people headed to Great Leighs today (Friday) for the first day of the 42nd Essex County Show.

Traffic queues built up on the roads leading to the show and organisers were confidently predicting a sizzling three days of fun in the sun.

People were already arriving when the gates opened at 7.30am.

Show spokesman Simon Lamb said today: "The forecast is excellent for the next three days and tomorrow is going to be a real scorcher.

"The weather is great and people are flooding in to see a fantastic show."

It promises to be a bumper event with a packed programme and more attractions than ever before.

Aerobatic stunts by the Royal Artillery's parachute display team and daredevil demonstrations by the Flying Gunners motorcycles are among the top crowd-pullers, with performances on each of the three days.

Traditional country show events include the mighty heavy horses, the colourful pageantry of dressage and showjumping, swooping falconry and spectacular flower shows.

Steam-driven traction engines of yesteryear and vintage farm machinery are also rubbing shoulders with hi-tech laser games and modern flight simulators.

Families are being urged to stay safe in the sun as Britain looks forward to a heatwave this weekend.

Forecasters are predicting temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit - the high 20s Celsius.

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