A new record has been set for entries in the sheep section for this year’s Royal Cornwall Show.

This year’s entry of 1,294 represents a healthy increase of 44 over the previous high which was set in 2012 when 1,250 entries were received.

Mary Andrews, departmental steward for sheep, is pleased with the impressive total of entries.

’It’s a healthy entry all round and is just the result we were hoping for,’ she said.

Hampshire Downs have increased from 94 to 104 and is the highest single breed entry in the show’s history. The Beltex, Ryeland, Scottish Black Faced and Texel breeds have also all seen significant increases in support.

Two breeds gained sufficient support to enable them to have classes in their own right this year. The North Country Cheviot and Shetland sheep breeds received 33 and 30 entries respectively.

The Southdown Sheep Society celebrate their 125th year and have selected the Royal Cornwall as their local anniversary show and will present the 21 exhibitors of the breed at the show with a commemorative rosette.

The fleece competition celebrates its 20th year at the show. Competitive fleece classes were first introduced at the Royal Cornwall in 1996.

Mole Valley Farmers continue as major sponsor of the show’s popular sheep section.

A total of 177 entries will compete for the honours within the pig section. It marks a slight dip in numbers compared to last year’s third highest entry on record.

502 stalls have been booked in the cattle section which is a little lower than last year’s turnout.

There is always a large number of horses at the Royal Cornwall Show and this year is no different.

Although 23 entries down on last year, the total of 1,292 is a strong turnout.

The show takes place on June 9, 10 and 11 at the showground at Wadebridge.