THOUSANDS of people flocked to Caradoc on Sunday to celebrate the best of Herefordshire's country life.

And this year's Herefordshire Country Fair paid a special tribute to the county's war effort, hosting a First World War commemoration which was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It offered a chance for visitors to watch demonstrations of British infantry and cavalry units and to hear about the role that the tank played in replacing the cavalry at the end of the First World War.

Action in the ring included infantry manoeuvres and skill at arms, cavalry 'movement by fours' including mounted skill at arms and a replica Mk IV tank.

A chance to meet the real 'warhorses' was also on offer.

Graham Langer, who helped bring the event to the fair, said: "The tank, infantry and cavalry were on site most of the day and fielded a huge number of questions.

"It was all about trying to get the education side of things across and I think we more than succeeded there. I think we are all pretty pleased."

Other traditional events which took place included terrier racing, working gun dogs, inter hunt relay race, scurry racing and the Parade of the South Herefordshire Foxhounds and The Ross Harriers and a busy food hall.

David Probert, secretary of the Herefordshire Country Fair committee, said he estimated more than 10,000 people visited.

"What was really pleasing was there was a very high ratio of children to adults and it's good to get young people involved," he said.

"We shall be looking forward to making a donation to our chosen charity for the year which is St Michael's Hospice."