THE rain may have been pouring down outside, but on Wednesday morning the President’s Marquee was aglow with fun, fashion and friendship for the annual County Show Ladies' Day.

Wellies and brollies were abandoned at the door and replaced with stilettos, hats and fabulous fascinators as the ladies dressed to dazzle.

The event, organised by the President’s Lady, Lesley Fudge provided the perfect opportunity for the women of Pembrokeshire’s farming community to catch up over a glass of Prosecco and canapés.

A fashion show, displaying the elegant and innovative work of designers from Jaxxon House, including local designer Kai Stewart, entertained the ladies and provided fashion inspiration for next year’s event.

Ladies' Day combined fun and fundraising, with money being raised for three worthy causes: A raffle raised funds for the Catrin Vaughn Foundation and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, RABI.

Catrin, a family friend of the Fudges, was a young local teacher whose life was cut tragically short in a car accident. Her family has established the foundation to provide support for schools and families across Pembrokeshire and to keep alive Catrin’s passion for helping children with additional learning needs.

RABI provides financial support for farmers, farm workers and their families going through hard times through no fault of their own.

“It was hard to choose a charity from all the good ones out there but these have particular meaning,” said Mrs Fudge.

“We’ve had a lot of very generous donations in terms of raffle and auction prizes.”

She added that she was pleased with the way Ladies' Day had gone.

“I’m delighted with the turnout and effort that everyone has gone to, especially on a day when the weather is so atrocious, they all look fantastic,” she said.

“This event is growing in size and has now become an established part of the county show. It’s been one of my highlights of the show so far.”