Organisers of agricultural shows – which are a huge feature of Craven’s summer – are hoping for a good season.

Last year’s were badly affected by a soaking summer, although fortunately all managed to weather the storm – unlike the Great Yorkshire Show which was scrapped.

With plenty of sun around, the main concern this year relates to bovine TB which has hit a few farms in Craven.

An outbreak can trigger the setting up of a three-mile inspection zone which drags other farms into the circle and leads to restricted movements and inspections.

Sue Brown, secretary at Gargrave Show, which takes place on Saturday, August 17, said they had taken guidance from DFRA and could guarantee that the show field, which was never grazed by cattle, was TB Free.

And as a precaution, instead of using a cattle house, they were setting up a marquee with an open side to allow air circulation.

She added last year’s show was a huge success: “We were lucky last year because we had one of the best days of the summer and there were still people picnicking in the field at 7pm when I left. It was a great atmosphere.”

Last year’s classic car show had prompted 40 entries this year, double last year’s total and as a result the number of classes had been increased.

There was also an extra challenge in the fell race with £50 being offered by Ribblesdale Motors to the runner who could smash the race record which had been held for some years.

Malham show, on Bank Holiday Saturday – August 24 – has gained from the demise of Broughton Game Show by taking on the staging of the whippet show and racing, once a popular feature at Broughton.

Show secretary Mike Gomersall said: “We are looking forward to that coming to Malham and I think it will be great entertainment.”

Another new feature will be a cookery demonstration, using local produce, by Mark Dale, head chef at the Malham Tarn Centre.

Popular last year and back to entertain again will be the 360 bicycle stunt team.

Mr Dale also believes the mountain bike trail – an orienteering-type challenge – will be especially impressive.

There will also be a tent to house produce and horticulture, and the children’s classes and photography will be one of the biggest in the area of the showfield.

Kilnsey Show, one of the largest agricultural shows in the North of England, will have a full day of activities in the shadow of Kilnsey Crag on August 27 Secretary Kathy Lambert said: “Entry classes cater for a wide range of sheep and cattle breeds, and the show provides an excellent opportunity for those unfamiliar with hill farming to find out about the skills and problems of the hill farmer and to trace their food from field to plate.”

In addition to livestock and stands there would be horse riding events, sheep dog trials and vintage tractor displays amongst other attractions.

“The show catches second wind in the afternoon and moves into its sports programme where interest centres mainly, but not exclusively, on fell racing followed by harness racing,”

At Horton in Ribblesdale show on Saturday, September 7, more classes will be opened up to non-local people to encourage an increase in entries, said secretary Paula Swainson.

The show would take place in the village school and under marquees and involve all the usual exhibits and stalls including classes for vintage machinery and cars.

Closing date for general entries is August 20 but people bringing cars and machinery could enter on the day when there would also be a car boot sale.

Val Lawson, secretary of Bentham Show which takes place in Bentham cattle mart also on Saturday, September 7, said it would take the usual format – there were no horses – and she expected a good crowd especially from local people.