SUN and rain came in equal measure as thousands of people flocked to the Uffington White Horse Show.

On Sunday, sunny weather saw the turnout increase by 40 per cent on last year, while yesterday rain failed to keep the visitors away from one of the main attractions, the Red Arrows display.

Other activities included helicopter rides, historic motorbikes, a funfair, dog agility show and a performance from the Wantage Silver Band.

The Pryce family, from Stanton, were among the visitors braving the showers and mud yesterday.

Nick, 49, Jayne, 40, Anna, three and Tomos, four months, all found shelter under a large tree after soaking up the atmosphere.

Mr Pryce, pictured, with daughter Anna, said: “This is the third time we’ve been here.

“Apart from the weather, we like the funfair, the bouncy castle and the slides.”

Mrs Pryce added: “We love all the activities in the area – there’s something for everyone. “We normally come as part of a big group, but I think we were the only ones hardy enough this year.”

And after the Red Arrows display, which prompted cheers from the crowds, Vale of White Horse District Council chairman Alison Thomson was full of praise for the pilots.

She said: “I’ve seen them do their fly-bys, but never a display like that before.

“I’m very impressed.

“I kept holding my breath, they get so so close to each other. Talk about precision flying.

“I think it’s an absolutely fantastic event, and so much hard work goes into it every year.”

Organising committee chairman Derek Kelsey said the event had once again been a huge success.

He said: “Everyone’s had a fantastic time, there’s been a great atmosphere and we have had so many compliments from the public.

“We had an amazing fireworks display on Sunday night and the turnout’s been good despite the weather.

“We’ve had wet shows before, and it never seems to put people off too much.”

Since its foundation more than 40 years ago, the White Horse Show has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the villages of Uffington, Baulking and Woolstone.