In pictures: Steam, sheep and strawberries at show

Hundreds of people are visible walking between stalls at the Bath and West ShowA Gorman Photography

The opening day drew large crowds to the showground

The Royal Bath and West Show has returned for another year, with tens of thousands of punters due to descend on the showground for the three-day event.

The show is the largest agricultural event in the West of England, having been founded in 1777 and based at The Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet since 1965.

It celebrates farming and offers animal exhibits, food stalls, celebrity talks, vintage fairgrounds, live music, and more.

Gates opened at 09:00 BST, with punters flooding in to experience the best the West has to offer at the show, which continues until Sunday.

Two women in white coats and black trousers hold three sheep with white wool and black faces and ears at the Bath and West ShowA Gorman Photography

Plenty of different breeds were on display

A steam engine with a rudimentary crane lifts a log, which is being guided by a man wearing a hat with a further steam engine and a couple of other people in the background.

The Bath and West Show returns, having been running since the 1770s

Three people wearing red behind a stall counter at the Bath and West Show smiling at the camera with small boxes of strawberries and other fruits sitting in front of them. On their aprons, there is a circular logo, with the words "fresh fruit" written above and below a picture of a strawberry.

In season strawberries: Amongst the attractions are stalls selling strawberries. UK strawberry growers have reported a "stonking start" to the season thanks to a "glorious" spring.

Two women and a boy stand gathered together looking at the camera smiling as they hold small pieces of cheese on sticks at the Bath and West Show.

Say cheese: People can also get their hands on Somerset cheese at this year's show, where chefs such as Andy Clark, Lisa Cadd and George Egg will also be turning up to host live cooking demonstrations.

A line of young people in white coats each hold onto a large lamb in one of the smaller display rings at the Bath and West ShowA Gorman Photography

Young farmers: The next generation of farmers have already had chance to show off their skills on day one of the Bath and West Show.

Two cows in a pen at the Bath and West show, lying down on straw

Livestock on display: The show has got off to a busy start, with people flocking to see some of the West's most prized livestock on display.

A group of men and women stand together with four women in the front row holding awards and certificates at the Bath and West Show. A Gorman Photography

Duly rewarded: Recipients of the Prince of Wales Award stand proud having been presented with their awards. The award recognises community organisations and initiatives in the southwest. Pictured are representatives from shortlisted organisations Brent Knoll Community Shop, Redcatch Community Gardens, Greener & Wilder, Blagdon Hill and Stogumer Village Store

A woman performer at the Bath and West Show sings into a microphone coming out of a white piano which is balanced on the front of a tricycle, where the handlebars would normally be. She is wearing a long, red coat and a black top hat. A Gorman Photography

Three wheels better than two: Among the sites and sounds of the day, a solitary tricyclist provides musical entertainment, performing on a mobile piano for nearby punters.

There is more planned across the weekend, including a chance for fans of Clarkson's Farm can meet one of its stars, Kaleb Cooper, on Friday when he takes part in a Q&A and book signing.

Other workshops focused on wool, butchery and farming will also be held.

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