The Royal Cornwall Show opened this morning to brilliant sunshine, but with the unfortunate news that the Countess of Wessex was unwell and unable to attend.

However, her husband, the Earl of Wessex is still expected to attend and is due to arrive just before lunch.

He will be taken on a tour of the showground before presenting awards during the afternoon.

Roads around the showground near White Cross, Wadebridge, are now heavily congested, with cars bumper to bumper, as thousands of visitors from both ends of the county attempt to attend the first day of the show.

A combination of fine weather and the royal visitors is expected to push visitor numbers to record levels this year.

To view a video of yesterday's show preparations click here