THOUSANDS descended on the South of England Showground for axe throwing, ferret racing and horse trials.

The Autumn Show and International Horse Trials combined for the first time on Saturday and Sunday.

More than 17,000 people enjoyed a range of activities across the weekend.

These included archery and birds of prey displays, with more than 500 horses also competing in dressage, showjumping and cross-country challenges.

The Argus: Archery at the Autumn Show | South of England Agriculture SocietyArchery at the Autumn Show | South of England Agriculture Society (Image: South of England Agriculture Society)

Corrie Ince, show director for the South of England Agricultural Society, said: "I hope everyone who attended enjoyed the first-class sporting entertainment, gained some new insights into our beautiful countryside, and perhaps even found a new countryside activity to enjoy.

"It was certainly an honour to host such a revered competition in the equine community."

Showgoers at the event in Ardingley were also able to enjoy a range of shopping and family activities. Farmers took a range of animals to the show. 

The Argus: An old tractor at the Autumn show | South of England Agriculture SocietyAn old tractor at the Autumn show | South of England Agriculture Society (Image: South of England Agriculture Society)

The event also celebrated the late Queen, who was patron of the Agricultural Society and whose affection for horses was well known.

Displays at the show recalled her previous visits and also included trees that the society planted at the showground as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

The show celebrates agriculture in the area and supports the society as a charity, which aims to teach children the value of the countryside as well as to support those in the agriculture industry.