Dales video: Sunshine brings out the crowds for Kilnsey Show

Four year-old Isobel North from Giggleswick takes part in the Beef Young Handlers class

Kilnsey Show, now in its 116th year, has become well regarded for its ability to attract top local chefs to cookery masterclasses, as well as its extensive sheep classes, and this year Rudding Park’s Stephanie Moon, Bruce Elsworth from the Angel, John Rudden of Grassington House Hotel and Coniston Hall’s Chris Oakden drew crowds in the cookery theatre.

Robert Lambert, chairman of the Upper Wharfedale Agricultural Society, said: “For this community, it’s the event of the year. We tend to attract between 10,000 and 15,000 people to the event and I hope, with the nice weather, it is nearer the 15,000 mark this year.”

Spectators were wowed by a birds of prey demonstration and a grand parade of vintage tractors, and the showground came to a standstill for a ten-minute flyover by a stunt pilot. Later, the main ring became the start and finish point for races up Kilnsey Crag.

Thomas Herd, inset, of Hebden, received admiring coos as he paraded a junior Holstein cow and finished third in the Dairy Young Handler class.

Mum Helen Herd said: “It’s his first time. For a five-year-old it’s all about building his confidence. I’m proud of him.”

Thomas’ aunt, Jennie Booth, 25, of Broom House Farm, near Earby, landed the Supreme Dairy Champion title with a four-year-old Holstein.

JA Stoney and Son triumphed as the Supreme Beef Champion after Heather Stoney presented a homebred 15-month-old Limousin cross called Prince, an earlier champion in the Commercial Beef class.

The honour of Supreme Sheep Champion went to Paul Fairburn, showing a homebred mule.

Further results will be in Saturday’s Country Week.