There was a time when as many as 70,000 sheep a year might have traded hands here, in the market square which is still famous for these sales.

Now the popular Masham Sheep Fair commemorates this piece of history, while raising quite significant sums for charity.

There was sheep showing and boisterous sheep racing over the course of the weekend, as well as demonstrations from Morris Dancers, handbell ringers, and sheepdogs.

Masham Sheep Fair. Pictured Judy Preston, of Doncaster, has a very close bond with one of her Shetland Sheep called Peanut. Image: James Hardisty

The popular flower show at St Mary's Church drew a crowd, then art exhibitions, craft markets and fleece stalls.

One display featured lockdown pieces made from hand-spun wool.

The sheep fair started more than 30 years ago, as the brainchild of Susan Cunliffe Lister with a group of volunteers.

Intended as a one-off charitable event supporting farmers in Africa, it has since gone on to raise well over £150,000.

Pictured Di Walton, judging the Cheviot sheep class. Image: James Hardisty

Last year some £12,000 was raised for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and while it's too early to tell for sure organisers are hoping to match that again.

Dame Susan said it was lovely to return to live showing last year, and this weekend the crowds came back.

She said: "It's brilliant, and we are just so lucky with the weather.

"Having wanted rain all summer we really didn't want it this week - and I'm very glad we haven't.

Pictured Brothers Benjamin, 4, and Sam, 8, Brook, from Selby, with a Lincoln Longwool sheep. Image: James Hardisty

"Everybody has been so lovely, and having such fun.

"We do ask a lot of the people of Masham, but they all join in and make the most of it," she added.

"We've had lots of crowds, and lots of sheep. It's a bit of fun, it's just something a bit different."

Crowds gather at Masham Sheep Fair in tradition to honour town's past