Why three is the magic number

BEHOLD the magnificent Gloucester cow, with her upswept horns, burnished mahogany coat and broad white stripe running from belly to tail. Clifford Freeman breeds these ancient cattle, native to the Severn Vale since the 13th century, on the lush grassland of his Gloucestershire farm. He was 10 when he watched his father, Eric, lifting the Supreme Champion trophy at the annual Royal Three Counties Show and has not missed one since.

‘The show is one of those big markers of the year you prepare for, like Christmas,’ explains Mr Freeman. ‘I’m always looking for my next prize animal, my daughter likes leading in the ring and my boy shows chickens; he won champion cockerel there last year.’ Covid-19 restrictions meant the 2020 show