The rain-free 2011 Devon County Show generated a record turnover, it has been revealed.

Show income increased to a £1,338,000, Chief executive Mervyn Hosking told the Devon County Agricultural Association's (DCAA) annual general meeting.

"The year was the most successful ever in terms of generated income," Mr Hosking said. "The consolidated turnover of the group was a record £2,382,000, an increase of £95,000 over 2010. But it was not the best year for profit, which was in 2007."

He said that total show income increased by £32,000 to a record £1,338,000, and income at the Westpoint show ground to a second best ever of £1,118,000. There was a surplus for the year of £124,000, the eighth successive year of profit.

About half of the show's turnover was accounted for by admission charges, which were slightly down on the previous year. Other income from trade stands, sponsorship and membership had risen.

Show costs had increased, but only by £24,000 on a total of roughly £1.25 million, which he said was very low even in the light of current inflation.

He added: "All areas of the group business were performing well.

" There was major expenditure on capital items, principally on refurbishing the restaurant and conference rooms, with money also spent around the show ground. The main ring had been further improved to enhance visitor viewing areas, a new tarmac road had been built and car parks were also improved."

Meanwhile, Mary Quicke was elected president for the 2012 show and George Lopes was named president-elect.

Mrs Quicke, who heads the family cheese-making firm Quicke Traditional, said: "I want it to be a great big party with a purpose, and that is to celebrate farming and food – an extraordinary industry that has extra value, not only in providing us with food, but in making sure we have a planet that works."