MALHAM Show continued its tradition of showcasing the very best of rural life on Saturday.

There were more than 1,600 entries - up on last year - in classes as diverse as best cow and best cake made by a gentleman.

The early sunshine brought in the crowds, with even the overflow car park bursting at its seams.

Torrential rain during the middle of the day failed to dampen spirits.

President Colin Raeburn, who moved the area with his wife, Lorraine, 30 years ago, said: "The success of the show is very much down to the local Dales community and, here in Malham, we have a wonderful committee and a fantastic team of helpers.

"Malham is a friendly dale and this is a very friendly show. People enjoy meeting friends from previous years and everyone seems very happy."

Across the classes, there were quality exhibits.

Sheep judge Ted Ogden, who is livestock manager with Craven Cattle Marts, said it was strongest show of sheep that he had seen for some years.

With colleague, CCM general manager Jeremy Eaton, he awarded the championship to a home-bred Swaledale aged ram, shown by Bill and Robert Cowperthwaite.

"It was an outstanding tup," said Mr Ogden. "The Swaledale section was particularly strong and, overall, it was a very good show."

The dairy champion was a home-bred cow in milk shown by first-time cattle exhibitors Allan and Susan Throup, who run the Dalesbrad herd on Silsden Moor, and the local champion was another cow in milk shown by IR and DE Wellock, from Kirkby Malham.

"The dairy numbers are a little down, but the quality is good," said Ian Wellock.

And Highland breeder Robert Phillip, who took home two trophies, added: "The show is a fantastic advert for farming. It allows 'townies' to get up close to the animals, possibly for the first time."

The horticultural entries were hit by the weather, with flower judge Rex Geldard saying it was hard to produce outstanding exhibits when the growing season was so late.

But there were plenty of other items in the show marquee to keep visitors' attention.

Margaret Taylor, who judged some of the children's entries, said their exhibits were truly inspiring.

"They have really gone for it and the effort they have put into their work is fabulous. There is such variety of styles and ideas. It has been a privilege to judge at such a good event."

Once again, the fell races were well supported, with more than 100 entries in the senior event.

Numbers were swelled by bride-to-be Catherine Bradley, of Threshfield, and seven of her hen party guests, all members of Wharfedale Harriers.

After an early morning swim in Malham Tarn, they donned yellow and black "bee" costumes and competed in the fell race.

"My friends came up with Queen Bee theme as yellow is my favourite colour. I only got to know about the costumes this afternoon, but I think there are fab," said Catherine, who is due to marry Matt Richardson at Linton Church.

The fell race was won by Wharfedale Harrier Ted Mason, of Appletreewick, who had earlier taken part in the dry stone walling competition. The first lady was Rachael Hill, from Settle Harriers, and the first local was Edward Newbould.

For full results and more pictures, see Thursday's Craven Herald