THE 122nd Devon County Show is in full swing at Westpoint Arena, Exeter.

Over its three days – until tomorrow – more than 90,000 visitors will see some of the best livestock in the country; taste fabulous local food and drink in the company of celebrity chefs; experience country life including arts and crafts; and enjoy plenty of entertainment.

HRH The Countess of Wessex is spending the second of two days at the show today. HRH is this year’s president of the Devon County Agricultural Association, which stages the annual event.

A spokesman for the show said: ‘The show features competition between exhibitors of dozens of different breeds of dozens of species, from livestock to heavy horses and rabbits to donkeys.

‘The aim, unchanged since the beginnings of pedigree breeding in the 18th century agricultural revolution, is to produce the animal that best displays the physical traits that define its breed.

‘Competitors select potential show animals a few weeks after birth on the basis of how well they promise to exemplify the defining traits of their breed, and then nurture them with diet, grooming and training.’

Edward Darke, a South Devon farmer and chief steward of livestock and DCAA president elect, has had more than 50 years of showing and winning trophies.

He said: ‘You’re constantly striving for the standard of excellence for a particular breed, which means you’re constantly striving for perfection. But deep down you feel there is a certain beauty in knowing that you never can breed the perfect animal.’

Visitors can walk between the pens and see the prize-winning animals as the stockmen pamper and prepare them for their big moment. The livestock are paraded around the Mole Valley Farmers main arena.

In the huge food and drink pavilion show visitors can sample culinary delights from artisan cheese to local gin, spelt bread to honey and charcuterie.

Celebrity chefs, including Devon’s Michelin Star Chef Michael Caines, are demonstrating their skills. A new Olive Tree eatery within the pavilion and numerous stalls around the showground are providing food to suit all tastes. All caterers at the show have signed up to support local producers.

In the craft and gardens section many of the county’s most skilled crafts people are selling their wares and there’s demonstrations of handicrafts including lace making, spinning, felt making, knitting and weaving.

Show secretary Ollie Allen said: ‘And, of course, there’s lots of plants and flowers. From show gardens to an allotment created by Andy Breare of BBC South West, to incredible floral art, junior competitions and thousands of flowers, this is a must-visit feature of the show.’

The centrepiece of the arts and crafts pavilion is the ‘people’s tribute’ to the Devon men and women who died in the First World War. The stunning display has been created from more than 31,000 poppies, handmade by local people.

Entertainment includes daily top class show jumping and big-air BMX action. And monster trucks Big Pete and The Grim Reaper are headlining the main arena tonight and tomorrow.

Youngsters can follow the Mole Avon ‘Wheelie Wild Trail’ around the showground and take part in activities at all 12 stops including the FarmWise Children’s Farm, where they can get involved in apple pressing, bread baking and seed planting.

The whole show is family friendly and one adult can bring two children, aged five to 15, free tomorrow.