A great atmosphere at last summer's Aylsham Show helped to raise a record total of �42,500 for charities and good causes.Thousands of visitors at Blickling Park soaked up the sunshine and enjoyed the bank holiday mix at the country's biggest one-day agricultural show.

A great atmosphere at last summer's Aylsham Show helped to raise a record total of �42,500 for charities and good causes.

Thousands of visitors at Blickling Park soaked up the sunshine and enjoyed the bank holiday mix at the country's biggest one-day agricultural show.

Organisers of the Aylsham Agricultural Show Association were delighted to have beaten last year's record distribution by �500 as cheques were presented to 46 groups and charities last night at Green's Farmhouse Restaurant.

Chris Self, secretary, said that the show in its 62nd year attracted record crowds, who were determined to enjoy a great day out after a dismal summer. 'We're really grateful to have attracted such loyal support again which makes it possible to donate so much to local good causes,' he added.

The retiring president, Terry Stiles is succeeded by leading Norwich stockbroker, Charles Barrett. His vice-president is Marion Williams, whose husband Dick is a former president.

An army of about 200 stewards, officials and judges are involved in staging the one-day show, which will be held on Monday, August 31. Key attractions this include the Royal Artillery Parachute team and the Bulldog Lings motorcycle display team.

Awards

A cheque for �5,000 was given to the Aylsham Recreation Ground and a further �6,000 was divided between the Rotary Club of Aylsham and Reepham Rotary Club.

�2,000 - Each Anglian Children's Hospices, Fakenham support group; North Walsham & District Citizens' Advice and Aylsham & District Flower Club (for the Alzheimer's society).

�1,500 - Norfolk Army Cadets.

�1,000 - Victim Support, Leukaemia Research Fund; Balloons 4 Hearts, Teenager Cancer Trust; Diabetes UK, North Norfolk Group; Break; NSPCC, Aylsham branch; Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution; Norfolk Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs; Aylsham Youth Club; Families First for North Norfolk Radio; Matthew Project; Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind; Help for Heroes and Aylsham Community Partnership.

�500 - Aylsham Blind Club; Coastwatch Mundesley; St John Ambulance; The Benjamin Foundation; SSAFA; Rare Breeds Survival Trust, East Anglian support group; Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue; Lilac for Ladies; CPRE Norfolk; Aylsham & District Care Trust and East Anglian air ambulance.

�250 - The Norfolk Boat, Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum, Market Place Surgery, North Norfolk Riding for the Disabled, Norwich Door to Door, Buckingham Emergency Food Appeal, North Walsham Young Farmers' Club, Blickling Parish Church, 3rd Aylsham Guides, Aldborough Primary School, Buxton Sea Scouts, Greenlane Community Group; Aylsham Vikings Swimming Club and Bradfield Cricket Club.