ORGANISERS of this year's KM War and Peace Show are hailing it the biggest so far, with more bangs, more military paraphernalia and more visitors than ever before. More than 99,000 people attended the event, which has become the largest military vehicle show in the world and took place over five days, beginning last Wednesday.

They came to see almost 4,000 vehicles including tanks, self-propelled guns, Jeeps and every other conceivable piece of military hardware which had converged on the 300-acre Hop Farm Country Park at Beltring, near Paddock Wood, for the event.

Now in its 15th year, the show has established itself as the largest event in the county and seems to be going from strength to strength. Hop Farm spokeswoman Hollie Eastwood said: " It's amazing really how many people are interested in this era.

"The public gate keeps going up and we get more and more exhibitors and more and more trade stands every year. It's brilliant." Exhibitors came from as far afield as Moscow and, in fact, the show now boasts representatives from every country in Europe - with the exception of Lichtenstein.

And visitors came from even further, with Americans, Japanese and Australians, to name but a few nationalities, were evident among the crowds. Two arenas bustled with activity throughout the five days, one dedicated to action with marauding tanks, noisy explosions and exciting battle re-enactments.

The other arena, new this year, was reserved for more sedate entertainment such as 1940s fashion shows, marching bands and a parade of classic bicycles. Other highlights included the Herb Miller Spectacular on Saturday night, which attracted a 1,300-strong sell-out crowd which revelled in the distinctive swing sound of the 1940s.