Monmouthshire Show did not get off to a brilliant start for one stall-holder as he had £300 worth of stock stolen overnight between set-up and show opening.

David Dunster, who runs the Dragon Leather Goods stall, woke up to find that vast quantities of 'Animal' branded items such as bags, hats and purses, were missing.

"It was all brand new stuff," he said. "The designs aren't even in the shops yet.

"Unfortunately, you just can't get insurance for mobile stock."

David, of Chepstow, had been staying in a caravan just around the corner from his stall overnight, but failed to hear any disturbance.

"The stall is fitted with security alarms," he said. "But because of the weather we were unable to hear if they were going off.

"There were security patrols about, but they had to stay on the main roadways in the showground as the rain had made the grass very muddy.

""I've been doing shows for 10 years and this is the first time I have been robbed.

"Its such as shame as this is our local show too.

"On a day like today we are just hoping to break even."