Libby Hendy may be just two-and-a-half years old but the youngster is already a dab hand as an animal showman.

With all the concentration of a veteran exhibitor Libby, of Doynton, near Bath, joined her sister, Pippa, six, and brothers William, eight and Edward, 10, in the 10s-and- under beef showman class at the Royal Bath & West Show yesterday.

Leading her Dexter cross, Mervyn, Libby stole the hearts of spectators in an impressive debut.

The family are long-time supporters of the four-day festival of farming and the countryside, which continues until Saturday.

The young Hendys joined a class of nine that was won by six-year-old Archie Hill, of Cheddar – another young talent making his debut. He went on to be reserve champion across the showman classes – beating some opposition more than three times his age. He had named his Limousin calf Evie, as soon as she was born and by the time she was two days old he was getting her used to being led on a halter.

"She was born on January 24, my dad's birthday," said the champ. Earlier his father, Nick's animals took awards for the male Limousin champion; reserve female Limousin and champion group of three.

The weather was not kind, with rain for much of the day, but show manager Alan Lyons said: "Everyone is having a good time."

As well as attractions, a wealth of exhibits, food and four miles of trade stands there are displays in the ring including daily concerts by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

Tory leader David Cameron was at the show yesterday, while Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will tour the show tomorrow and TV quiz show host Noel Edmonds will be a celebrity guest on Saturday.