VISITORS travelled from as far as Milan for the delights of the annual Hatfield House Country Show.

BBC presenter and ex-Blue Peter host Matt Baker was a VIP guest alongside this year’s Miss Hertfordshire, Amy Green, who officially launched the three-day event on the Friday morning.

Attractions including arena shows, traditional breed animals, a children’s farm, a fine food fair, countryside crafts, as well as home and garden products, were a huge hit with the audience.

And Matt Baker, of BBC One’s Countryfile and Secret Britain, was on hand to judge the dog classes, and present rosettes to the sheep and pig show winners.

Lord Salisbury himself was also involved in the fun and games, as he took part in the grand parade of 20 steam vehicles for the finale.

Hatfield House director Nick Moorhouse said: “My family’s favourite was the Dancing Sheep Show!

“It was so reassuring to hear visitors talk enthusiastically about their experiences at the Country Show, and we will make the 2011 show even better than this year’s event, particularly as it is an integral part of our 400th birthday celebrations.”

A spokeswoman for the house added: “The Hatfield House Country Show was a great success. The event is building up quite a following, and regular visitors come from as far away as Glasgow.

“One couple saw the event featured in a tourist magazine and came all the way from Milan! “Highlights of this year’s show included the wonderful heavy horse dressage, Apsley End Polo Club’s exciting demonstrations of polo in action and of course the guinea pig racing.”