Thousands have flocked for the first day of the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd.

First Minister Carwyn Jones attended the official opening of Europe’s largest agricultural show based in the heart of Wales.

Montgomery town crier Sue Blower welcomed everyone bilingually to the opening at the President’s Pavilion.

Representing Montgomeryshire, the Royal Welsh Show’s feature county for 2018, were John and Beryl Vaughan of Llanerfyl along with Show President Tom Tudor, also from Llanerfyl.

David Lewis, Chairman of the council of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show introduced Mr Tudor as the show’s president for 2018.

“This year’s it’s Montgomeryshire turn as feature county. A county which agricultural tradition and natural beauty,” he said.

“Tom has contributed greatly to the agricultural industry both on a national and international scale. He has served on a myriad of agricultural bodies which his expertise has proved invaluable.

“The Tudor family have led the entire Montgomeryshire team with distinction. They are truly pillars of society and held in high esteem by all.

“He fully deserves the honour bestowed on him during the past year.”

President Tom Tudor said he was looking forward to another Royal Welsh and said it was a “tremendous honour” to be this year’s President.

“The Show shows all that is good in Welsh agriculture and much more, our language, our culture. The atmosphere within this show is outstanding and I can’t believe there is no better show in the world.

“It makes me proud to a farmer, proud to be welsh, and proud to be part of the dedicated team of our national show.”

John Vaughan, a farmer and former Deputy Lieutenant of Powys, and his wife Beryl, a former County Councillor and chair of the 2015 National Eisteddfod in Meifod, said it was an “immense honour” to open the Show.

John said: “The feature counties have a pivotal role in fundraising, and Montgomeryshire has been no exception. The county has worked hard in a successful campaign under the able and affable chairperson, Anwen Orrells.

“As difficult as the weather can be at times, especially during the last 12 months, farmers are stoical people and get on with life. We are concerned about major trading decisions that need to be made which could have long-lasting implications.

“It is agriculture which has shaped and created our much-loved landscape.

“I believe Montgomeryshire famers are industry leaders.”

Beryl Vaughan spoke about how she has a “lot to thank the Royal Welsh Show” as it was her there that she first met her husband in the 1970s.

Mrs Vaughan praised the Society’s chief executive, Steve Hughson, for learning Welsh which “now has its place” at the Show.

Montgomeryshire’s advisory committee have decided to raise money for a new permanent building for young members of the Society.

“They are our future and we must support them in our efforts.”

“I am extremely proud of Montgomeryshire. It is hard work to arrange Europe’s largest show but we couldn’t have done it without the dedicated team of helpers and workers.”

As Mr and Mrs Vaughan officially opened the Show The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh played a fanfare to announce the opening.