STAFF and students at Reaseheath College chose the prestigious Cheshire Show to launch its new business hub.

Thousands of people visited the first day of the show yesterday in scorching temperatures, and from its stand the Nantwich college informed visitors about the new hub, which aims to help rural businesses in the North West.

Erica Coppinger, aged 19, from Staffordshire with her British Blue Cattle called Cromwell Clever Girl, getting ready for the show.

Glyn Ferriday, Reaseheath's marketing manager, said: "It's a great opportunity to launch something fantastic at something spectacular."

The hub aims to help businesses secure a more profitable, sustainable and successful future through a One Stop Shop offering specialist support and advice.

Businesses can gain help in areas such as business start-ups, development and marketing, technical support and skills development.

The college's stand, which has been named the best one in the rural area, also welcomed visitors to take part in activities such as scaling a climbing wall and riding a mechanical horse.

Countryside students were building bird boxes, and bricklayers competed against each other to construct the best wall.

Visiting the stand was seven-year-old Grace Cronin and her mother Lesley, aged 52, who were on a school trip to the show with Mossley Primary, near Congleton.

Mrs Cronin said: "It's the first time Grace has been to the show and she's having a lovely time.

"The kids have had a lot of fun building a bee hive. It's been a perfect day for it."

Visitors enjoyed a wide range of displays, demonstrations and activities.

Cheshire chef Jason Palin gave cookery demonstrations in the Live Food Hall, and also teamed up with Roberts Bakery, sponsor of the Roberts Bakery Food Hall, to create the ultimate Cheshire sandwich.

In the main ring visitors watched stunts by leading quad bike rider Jason Smyth, as well as a falconry exhibition and RAF parachute team display.

Perry Pony Club riders Katie Dawson, aged 14, Brogan Wilkin aged 14, and Grace Pettifer, aged 13, at the show.

Pensioners Harry Parker, aged 76, and his wife June, aged 74, from Crewe, have been visiting the Cheshire Show for more than 50 years. Mr Parker, of Coleridge Way, said: "We've been coming for so long it's a special annual event for us – like Christmas." Mrs Parker added: "We come on both days as we don't like to miss out on seeing anything."

Jade Beecroft, aged 26, from Nantwich, took her sons Reuben, aged 18 months, and three-year-old Tyler, to the show for the first time. Miss Beecroft, who lives in St Mary's Road, said: "It's brilliant. There's so much to see and do."

Today visitors will be able to enjoy a master class in Cheshire cheese-making, the band of the Royal Air Force College and demonstrations by the Cheshire Polo Club.