FEARS over foot and mouth disease failed to spoil the fun at a countryside extravaganza as thousands of people descended on the Bowood estate over the weekend.

Cars arriving at the Big Game and Country Show in the grounds of the historic home near Chippenham were sprayed and visitors had to walk over mats soaked with disinfectant, but the show, featuring displays and country sports was hailed a great success.

Organised by Living Heritage Events, it was their first show in Wiltshire, and attracted around 25,000 people of all ages over the two days.

Visitors were able to enjoy a feast of entertainment including gun dog displays, sheepdog displays and deer stalking, and they also got the chance to turn their own hands to country pursuits.

They had the opportunity to choose from an exciting line-up of sports including clay shooting, archery, fly casting and falconry, with all proving popular. Lesley Difonzo from Living Heritage Events, said: "It was absolutely amazing and I have to say the support we had right from the word go was remarkable.

"Bowood was just the perfect venue and we were lucky to have such good weather that brought so many people out.

"Everybody seemed to have a really good time and enjoyed themselves, and there were both people who have been involved with country sports and this kind of thing before and others trying it for the first time.

"With not being a livestock event foot and mouth did not really have an impact on the show and it didn't put it under threat, but we still took all the proper precautions and I think we must have bought all of B&Q's stock of disinfectant.

"With everything being such a big success we will certainly be coming back."

As well as displays and country sports there more than 200 country trade stands, selling everything from branded country clothing to hand carved rustic furniture.

Food lovers were also able to choose from an array of regional countryside and farm produce with the inclusion of a food hall at the showground.

More photos in this week's Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News.