VISITORS to Skelton Show flocked to line the main ring to watch which of the competitors would be clutching the coveted shining trophies and rosettes.

This year competition was fierce in the livestock lines with organisers reporting record entries in both the sheep, which stood at 700, and horses classes, 450.

Cheers and hand-clapping greeted the Agricultural Champion of Champions which went to the overall Livestock Champion owned by Penrith breeder, for his Limousin heifer, which had taken the top prize in the commercial cattle class.

A frequent face at local shows, Neil said he was 'delighted' to have won.

The Supreme Horse Champion went to Elizabeth Quinlin of Appleby and her magnificent Coloured horse.

The overall Sheep Champion and Reserve Overall Champion of Champions was out of the new class ‘any other continental breed’ which was won by Kyla Dodd from Holmhead, Dumfries, with a splendid Blue Texel ewe.

The newly implemented unaffiliated show jumping class produced some good entries and everyone said how much they enjoyed it. On a gentler note, the Concours d’Elegance class proved very popular with both riders and horses beautifully decorated and the winner was once again awarded to Alison Figg on ‘Hamish of Blengside’.

Philip Cranston, this year’s President, said how amazed he was by the effort which had gone into all aspects of the show. “The many trade stands who’ve planned out their stand from the biggest with agricultural machinery down to the smallest in the craft tent, all takes time and planning down to the last detail”.

He continued “of course agriculture is still at the heart of this show and as we all know there has never been a time when it’s been more important to keep up with the changes that are coming our way, or better still to get ahead. With the wealth of knowledge within the farming community, the show is a great opportunity to share a good idea and I’m sure the opportunity wasn’t wasted!”

As President, Philip was asked to choose the most ‘outstanding exhibit on the showfield’ and much to the delight of C D Braithwaite, he chose his Clydesdale mare Marshall Meadow Lady Ester with her foal at foot, Corney Mill Astrid.

Elsewhere on the field, the crowds enjoyed the large industrial marquee exhibits, the dog show, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, the Fur & Feathers show was back after a four year absence and the outstanding parade of almost 100 vintage vehicles was just another one of the many highlights of the day.

Four local hunts took part in the ‘inter hunt challenge’ in the main ring – which was frantic and great fun for the crowds to watch. Over a course and a combination of runners with dogs, a quad bike and horses, it was the agility of the Northumberland’s Haydon Hunt who took the prize, closely followed by the Cumberland.

In addition, the show had an invasion from the North East by the Biking Vikings who entertained the crowds with their drumming and many eager children keen to assist them!