The final day of this year’s Royal Cornwall Show is well underway and the overcast skies are having no effect on the high spirits at the showground.

Although visitor numbers appeared to be slightly down on previous years for the first day of the show on Thursday, yesterday’s sunny spells helped draw the crowds.

With Saturday traditionally the busiest day, the weekend giving those who may have been at work or school a chance to join the fun, things are still on course for another bumper year of trade.

Although some rain is forecast for this afternoon, it is expected to clear up again later for a dry end to the show.

Yesterday saw the best weather for the three days, coinciding with the royal visit, this year from the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward.

The prince appeared in good spirits as he made his way around the showground near Wadebridge, visiting a number of the exhibitions and getting to meet stallholders showcasing the best of Cornwall’s agriculture and food production.

It marked the second visit to the show for Prince Edward, who last attended back in 2007.

Show secretary Christopher Riddle said: “It is with great pride that the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association receives such frequent and interested support from the whole royal family, with of course HRH the Prince of Wales as our patron.”

The royal visitor was able to get a taste of all that the show offers, from livestock showing to entertainment in the main ring and hundreds of static exhibitions and trade stands.

This year is particularly special for one particular partnership with the show, as it marks 60 years of a special messaging service operated by Girlguiding Cornwall.

Around 200 Cornish guides and their leaders are involved in this year’s show, running messages and results from numerous competitive classes across the 96-acre showground to ensure the information quickly gets to where it needs to be.

The service first appeared at the Royal Cornwall Show in 1957 and since then the role has expanded significantly, with the team now also acting as show hosts at entry points and running the well-used “flower crèche” that allows visitors to buy plants and flowers and leave them in a cool place while they enjoy the rest of the show, as well as the flower show catering service and children’s crèche in the family area.