USK Show took on a medieval look with a cavalry of heroes as knights on horses charged around the main ring with lances ready for battle.

Over 20,000 people turned up for the annual countryside show in Usk run by the voluntary committee of the Usk Farmers’ Club since 1984.

It was the first show for former steward turned show secretary Nia Osborne who was pleased with the way the day progressed: “Despite the spoiling rain first thing, we had a wonderful day.” she said.

“The quality of livestock from all over Monmouthshire was superb and the public really enjoyed looking at all the animals. Some changes in the layout meant that the judging rings were surrounded by visitors all the time”.

With horses, cattle, sheep and goat competitions, traders’ stands, food tents, horticulture and homecraft competitions and a grand parade of champion animals, there was more than ever before.

Another alternative spectacle was the Countryside ring with vintage tractor displays, military vehicles, alpacas and the Woolaston Basset Hounds, alongside working horse displays and the dog and duck display.

Best Agricultural trade stand went to Frank Sutton, Geraint and Natalie Richards’ machinery stand based at the former Harold Johns site in second place and Robert Price third.

The best small trade stand went to Raglan-based Black Mountain Bikes and large trade stand went to Quails.

Nigel Williams won Best Continental Cow, Stephen Hart and Scott Coates brought a winning Angus cross in the commercial u9 heifer category and in-calf heifer into the main ring for the Grand Parade.

Also showing was Tim Bodily’s Best Butchers Heifer, while his son Jack had Noel Porter’s Best Butchers’ animal in the ring.

Holly Jones and Aled Groucott had a Supreme Champion Beltex and Ed Trumper showed his reserve Interbreed Champion Jacob.

In the homecraft section, Usk WI won the Perpetual Co-operative Shield, the preserves cup and Caroline Cornfield Memorial Cup went to Sheila Richards from Wyesham and Debra Stuttard won the Produce Cup and the Alec Butcher Silver Rose Bowl.

John Osman from Chepstow won the Kemys Commander Cup and Nerys Parry from Llansoy took the Monkswood Cup and the Gwehelog Community Challenge Cup.

The Art, Craft and Photography Cup went to Wolvesnewton resident Catrin Williams.

Raglan CV School had the Perpetual School Shield

The show secretary added the show wouldn’t happen without the “amazing volunteers who build it, steward and then take it all down on the following day”.

For more pictures from Usk Show find your copy of this week’s Beacon, in shops now.