TORRENTIAL rain and a sea of mud failed to halt the Tendring Show.

The 98th show went ahead on Saturday – despite the terrible weather.

Some great work from organisers, Tendring Hundred Farmers’ Club, meant the crowds could still enjoy the fun, even if it was pouring with rain.

Show publicity manager Tom Glover said the show’s committee had made every effort to ensure it went ahead.

He said: “It has really been a community effort. We used quad bikes to get equipment on to the ground to protect the site as much as possible and on Friday the ground was beautiful.

“When the rain came overnight, we had diggers, quad bikes and tractors ready to put down the wood chip and get people in and out of the car parks.

“We had 150 volunteers, who worked so hard. We are proud of being able to keep the show on."

Cars and horse boxes were stopped from entering the showground from 2pm, when conditions worsened.

Mr Glover said: “It was disappointing and we are sorry for the people who could not come in, but we had to make a decision on safety grounds."

The theme of the show, held at Lawford House Park, Lawford, was Olympic achievement.

An estimated 15,000 visitors were treated to a taste of country life with a mixture of traditional favourites and new demonstrations.

A new lifestyle marquee featured luxury homeware and clothing and the great Tendring bake-off competition was held in the community club tent.

There were also nearly 200 trade stalls and demonstrations of dog agility, zumba, birds of prey and terrier racing. Guinea pigs, rabbits, pigeons and goats were also shown off to an admiring public.

The show has only been cancelled once – in 2001, due to foot and mouth disease.