Sunny showground sees strong entry list draw crowds

The organisers of the agricultural show said the event attracted just a handful fewer people than last year but the entries in all the categories were particularly strong.

One of the highlights was the fell race, a 3.3-mile course with 900ft of tough climbing which eventually reaches the top of Sharphaw.

The course takes in a river crossing as well as woodland, moorland and meadowland.

The race attracts runners from the Wharfedale Harriers and the British Open Fell Runners Association. The categories start at under-nine and take in under-12s, under-14s, under-17s and seniors, with cash prizes for the various age groups.

In the showfield, the overall champion medal went to John Stephenson, of Bordley, near Skipton, for his Belgian Blue, a breed of beef cattle.

In the popular shires category, the winner was Richard Bedford, of Hartcliff Shires, Liversedge.

One of the show organisers said: “The number of people attending the show was almost as good as last year. We have between 6,000 and 7,000 and there was sunshine all day.

“All categories were well represented and the cattle entries were slightly up on last year.”

“There were still a few hundred people on the field at 7.30pm.”

As well as equine events and a fun dog show there were a large number of entries for the poultry section.

Show president Clifford Lawson hosted a hog roast which ensured the show went on late.