The sun grew hotter and the crowds got bigger as the New Forest Show was blessed by a brief burst of summer.

Thousands of spectators from across the south converged on the 40-acre showground for the start of the annual three-day spectacular, which costs about £2m to stage.

Many of the visitors went in search of shade and cold drinks as the mercury made its way towards the 30-degree mark and beyond.

This year's headline act is Bolddog FMX, a motorcycle stunt team that once made it through to the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent.

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The first of their two displays on the opening day of the show at New Park, Brockenhurst, was one of the most eagerly anticipated events.

The three riders staged a series of gravity-defying stunts that involved roaring up a take-off ramp, flying through the air, and landing on another ramp mounted on top of a lorry 21 metres away.

Their repertoire included handstands, backward somersaults and other tricks in which they briefly had little or no physical contact with their bikes.

They ended by using the take-off ramp in quick succession, ensuring they were all in the air at the same time.

Safety was paramount throughout. They made sure each piece of equipment was in exactly the right place, and two large flags on top of the lorry enabled them to monitor wind speed and direction.

Organisations with stands at the show include New Forest District Council, which is marking its 50th anniversary.

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The authority is exhibiting a huge "nest" that comprises a willow frame covered in various types of litter collected in the Forest.

Based on research into the impact humans have on the environment, the orange-shaped sculpture has been created by Stephanie James and Vanessa Collingridge, who each have studios at SpudWORKS in Sway.

Also celebrating is the New Forest Marque local produce scheme, which held a ceremony at the showground to mark its 20th anniversary.

Supported by the New Forest National Park Authority, New Forest Marque boasts a record 178 producers and sellers of everything from award-winning cheese and chutneys to strawberries and soap.

Chairman Dan Parsons said: "Our passionate producers are linked to the landscape and traditions which make the Forest so special."

In a message to consumers, he added: "By buying local you're not only supporting the economy of New Forest communities but also the environment by shopping sustainably."

The show, expected to attract around 95,000 visitors, ends on Thursday evening.