Temperatures soar at Royal Norfolk Show

Temperatures are soaring towards 30C at the Royal Norfolk Show today - with tens of thousands of showgoers heeding warnings to stay cool in the heat.

By lunchtime, only person had had to be treated for a minor heat-related condition and the 150-strong medical team at the show reported a relatively quiet morning.

But with the sun beating down on the Costessey showground, people were urged to continue putting on sun cream and wearing hats and drinking lots of water.

Darren Bunn, duty officer for St John Ambulance, said|: 'Most of the people we have had in have asked for sun block and our advice is for people to bring their sun cream and wear a hat.'

Traffic was predictably heavy around the showground during the morning.

There were reports of tailbacks on the A47 - especially near the A140 junction - and some people took up to an hour to get in.

But police said there were no major problems.

The green car park at the showground quickly filled and cars were re-directed to the blue, yellow and red car parks.

John Gordon, head of stewarding for car parking, said: 'Traffic is moving fairly smoothly and we have not been made aware by the police of major problems in the surrounding area.'

He said the dry ground was perfect for parking.

There are 14 show stewards responsible for parking and traffic as well as about 50 local people who are employed through Special Events and Event Guard.

People seemed to be heeding the warnings about the heat and many showgoers were wearing hats and lots of sun cream was being slapped on..

Royal Norfolk Show organisers are in buoyant mood as the two-day spectacular gets into full swing.

Show manager Sarah de Chair had a simple message for up to 100,000 people who will attend.

'Think cool!' she said.

'As long as everyone is sensible they will be fine. If they wear a hat and put on sun cream and we have lots of shaded areas and covered grandstands then there shouldn't be any problems.'

Mrs de Chair said there were a host of highlights - including the Cannonball man and the Falcons parachute team - and she said it had 'probably been the best set up for the show we have ever had.'

She said she was also looking forward to the finale tomorrow, featuring servicemen and women from RAF Marham.

The RNAA wanted to show our appreciation for all they have done,' she said.

RAF Marham personnel will participate in the closing ceremony by parading two flights accompanied by the Minden Band in order to perform a sunset ceremony, which starts tomorrow at 6.20pm.

One of the busiest stallholders could be John Byfleet, who owns John Halifax hats from Somerset.

'People need something which keeps the sun off their face and ears. They come to the showground early when there is a nice breeze and some don't wear hats and they need to have one on straight away.'

David Hastings, assistant head steward in the livestock area, said animal welfare was the 'number one' priority but he did not foresee any problems.

'Animals can deal with it. It is not unique for the weather to be this hot and we have experienced owners and exhibitors.'

He said many owners had taken extra fans to keep cool and on-site vets would be asked for guidance if needed.

*A special shuttle service from the Costessey Park and Ride site to the Royal Norfolk Show is being laid on by Norfolk County Council for both show days.

It starts at 7.45am with the last return shuttle bus leaving King George IV gate at 5.45 pm.

For a �5 charge the service offers parking for one vehicle and return travel for up to five adults and three children to and from the King George IV main gate, a shuttle bus leaving every 15 minutes or better, fully accessible low-floor buses, easy for disabled people to use, and for parents with pushchairs, a quick bus ride back to the car park at the end of the day - and no problem finding the car, use of the park and ride terminal facilities, quick getaway on to the A47 Norwich Southern Bypass.