DESPITE a damp day - and a weather forecast that warned of strong winds - hundreds turned out to enjoy Gargrave Show.

The 112th event, held as usual in front of Eshton Hall, may not have attracted the numbers usually expected, but there was plenty to see and enjoy, from the very best of sheep and cattle, horse classes and showjumping.

The horticulture and craft tents were crowded, often with people sheltering from the showers, while the poultry tent attracted the usual high numbers fascinated by the many and varied hens, pigeons and ducks.

There was also much fun to be had by dog owners entering their pets in the dog show, the Shetland Pony classes and Shire Horse classes, and a display of vintage tractors.

Exhibitors and show goers turned up prepared for the weather with boots and umbrellas and at least the cool weather suited the animals.

Last year's round bale rolling competition was replaced by organisers, Upper Wharfedale Young Farmers, with the hilarious 'blind sheep dog trials', which involved one blind-folded competitor being led round a course by his or her handler.

Meanwhile, the adult and juniors fell races were as popular as ever, with Harry Coates, from Pot Haw Farm, Coniston Cold, winning the hotly contested senior race in a time not far off the 17 year old show record.

Enjoying an al fresco lunch with wine, while watching the blind sheepdog trials, David and Julie Holliday, from Pudsey, but with a caravan at Tarn House, were at their first Gargrave show.

"Its a shame about the rain, but we've had a very nice day, and the blind sheep dog trials are very funny," said Julie.

Julie Asquith, from Otley, with daughter Sam, who was showing Beltex sheep, said they were enjoying themselves and were hoping for success with their sheep.

Peter and Susan Moorcock, from Horsforth, said they had come prepared for bad weather. "We knew from the weather forecast that it was not going to be a brilliant day, but we decided to come anyway and we're glad we did. Less people actually meant there was more room in the cattle tent and its great being able to get so close to the animals," said Peter.

A popular stall at the show was the Wharfedale Beekeepers Association tent with members giving out advice and encouraging people to take up the hobby.

Peter Longbottom said it was their second appearance at the show and so far five people had shown an interest in keeping their own bees. The association runs classes at Craven College in Skipton and also has meetings in Skipton and in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Ferret racing was also popular, with members of the Worth Valley Ferret Welfare.

Sarah Maxwell said it was their aim to show people what great pets ferrets could make.

"They are a cross between a cat and a dog. You can take them for walks, they will play with toys and you can teach them tricks. It is our mission to show people they're not smelly at all, and they don't bite" she said.

Show President, Peter Watson, said although not a farmer himself, he knew many of the farmers in the area through business connections.

"I've had a fantastic year going to all the meetings, sometimes I've thought it wasn't going to happen, but its all turned out perfect on the day. We could have done with better weather, but its all come together really well," he said.

Pictures by Barry Tweed-Rycroft Photography