DESPITE threatening clouds, Gargrave Show stayed dry and sunny, drawing thousands to the showfield in front of Eshton Hall.

Entries in the cattle and sheep sections were higher than last year, while poultry remained as popular as ever with showgoers and competitors, while gardeners and allotment holders impressed with fine examples of flowers and vegetables.

Entertainment in the main ring varied from noble Shire horses, including, for the first time, a ridden Shire section, to a 'round bale pushing' competition and parade of vintage tractors and vehicles.

Entrants in the bale pushing were tasked with moving the straw across a series of obstacles while drinking a pint of beer – much to the delight of the watching crowds!

In the showjumping section, the last-minute inclusion of an agility competition for dogs proved an unexpected hit, with all entrants receiving a rosette.

Fell racers proved as popular as ever, with oldest entrant, 67-year-old Maurice Smith from Hyde in Manchester, and the youngest, six-year-old Ollie Athersmith from Skipton.

Show president, Jimmy Fitton, taking a year out from his usual role looking after the cattle, declared the event a great success.

"I've been cattle steward for 25 years and a member of the committee since 1968, so it was my turn to be president, " he said.

He was pleased to see 95 entries in the cattle section, including beef and dairy – an increase of 20 from last year – and an equally good showing in the sheep section.

"It's been really interesting seeing different parts of the show I've never seen before," he said.

Mark Smith, show chairman for the last time after the usual three years, was equally pleased high numbers of people had attended, despite a pretty negative forecast.

"The time and effort people put into preparing the cattle and sheep for the show is really impressive," he said.

Councillor Robert Mason, chairman of Craven District Council and in charge of vintage vehicles, brought along his old tractor and Ford Zephyr, as well as a Land Rover, which came in useful after the Zephyr broke down shortly after being parked up!

Cllr Mason, whose 1954 Fordson Major was used by his father for 30 years before being put away and largely forgotten, plans to take it to this weekend's Malham Show and to Kilnsey on Tuesday.

"Gargrave is a really lovely show; we farmers tend to stay with the sections we know about, so to see the whole show is really interesting," he said.

Kaitlin bradley, first prize in childrens bakny 12 to 16 years with cup cakes decorated with black feathers.

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