FURRY FRIEND: Debut at Countryside Live proves a big success

INTERNATIONAL delegates, record crowds and alpacas were just some of the highlights of Countryside Live.

The two-day farming showcase at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground brought in more than 10,000 visitors over the weekend for the third year in a row.

The final attendance figure was 10,221 – more than 100 ahead of the previous record set in 2008.

Among them were a 40-strong delegation of Swedish farmers and businessmen, who were visiting the showground as part of a nationwide tour looking at how they can improve their pig industry.

Elsewhere alpacas made their debut at Countryside Live – proving one of the star attractions.

The animals are farmed for their valuable fleece and are proving an increasingly attractive option for farmers in the region.

They were being displayed by members of the Yorkshire Alpaca Group, including Lawrence Waller, who farms at Castleton in North Yorkshire, who said: “They are my business and this is my shop window. That is why we are here.”

Another new attraction to Countryside Live was an X Factor-style competition to find a new showjumping star.

Run by Yorkshire Olympian Graham Fletcher, the contest was eventually won by 14-year-old Emily Hobson, from Doncaster.

Show director Bill Cowling said: “We are delighted with how it has gone. Visitors who I have spoken to have complimented me on a well-run show.”

There were also record entries in the competition classes, with cattle exhibitors travelling from all over the country to compete.

Countryside Live two-page special: Pages 6 and 7; Comment: Page 12.