THE 120th anniversary of the launch of Kilnsey show - one of the biggest one-day agricultural events in the district - lived up to expectations on Tuesday last week.

Both in terms of numbers through the gates and the range of entertainment, it was matchless, said show President Robert Lambert.

"I'd guess we had record entries, we had more trade stands and more entertainment for the visitors. It was a extremely good show.

"There were more attractions - it's an area we have to keep evolving year-on-year. There was plenty in the ring to see and more events around the field which were repeated so everyone had a chance to see them.

"The children's tent was particularly popular. There were lots for the youngsters to enjoy. We gave them something to remember and to encourage their parents to bring them again."

Jamie Roberts, owner of Kilnsey Estate, said: "People helped to make it a real celebration.There was a real buzz about the place."

And to make it go with a swing, a highlight of the event was the assembly in the arena of the previous winners of the senior crag race. "There were some of the very best runners of the race over the years. They got a huge cheer from the crowd," he said.

And mother of three, Helen Ames, voiced what hundreds of others were most likely feeling when she spent her first ever visit to the event.

She had travelled out from Bradford with Abby, ten, Ella, seven and Thomas, two, and said: "It was a fabulous day out. The children all loved the animals and particularly the sheep. They were fascinated by the sheep shearing. There's just so much to see and do."

The show is one of the largest one day agricultural events in the district. As well as traditional cattle and sheep judging, there were demonstrations including sheep shearing and dry stone walling, a cookery theatre, horse jumping competitions and the famous junior and senior crag races.