LANCERS ON GUARD

GENERATIONS OF farming families took to the ring on Saturday as thousands turned out to enjoy the 103rd Wensleydale Agricultural Show.

More than 7,000 visitors headed to this year’s show, which was blessed with warm weather.

The cattle ring, pony ring and sheep pens drew plenty of handlers across dozens of classes, while bakers, knitters and gardeners shared their skills in the craft and horticulture tent at the show field in Leyburn.

Other attractions in a packed programme included the Punjab Lancers and their dancing horses, a sheepdog and duck display team, a vintage vehicle parade, music from Leyburn Band and the Grand Parade.

Chairman Mike Warden thanked “the army of farmers and volunteers” who had helped to bring the show to fruition, giving their time and expertise in planning and presenting the event.

He said: “It is a showcase of the very best of the farming and rural community of the Dale. There’s so much to see, so much variety.”

President Gerald Hodgson said he hoped the event would continue to be “a real agricultural show” for years to come, with the usual big entries of cattle and sheep.

He said: “It takes a lot of time and trouble to prepare animals for showing and I thank all the exhibitors who do this year in, year out.

“Our horticulture, handicrafts and poultry classes have also been outstanding, as well as the equestrian activity that ran through the day. There was a tremendous amount to see and enjoy.

“Grateful thanks are due to our sponsors and the many people in the Dale who contribute voluntary time and effort to making the show a success.”

Kenton Foster, from Garriston, carried off the inter-breed sheep champion title for the seventh year with his prize-winning charollais.

James Pratt, from Bellerby, won the Supreme Cattle Championship, while Melissa Donaldson, from Little Langton, near Northallerton, won the Beef Championship.

Wensleydale is the local show of farmer-cum-tourism chief Gary Verity, who attended the event on Saturday.

Mr Verity describes the event as a “really good authentic country show”.

PICTURE: GARY LONGBOTTOM. A member of the Punjab Lancers performing in the main ring at Wensleydale Agricultural Show in Leyburn in North Yorkshire, where more than 7,000 visitors were blessed with fine weather as they viewed ‘the very best of the farming and rural community’.

PICTURES: GARY LONGBOTTOM. FAMILY FUN: Prize winner Danielle Dixon, top. Above, from left, Millie Moore with a Jacob shearling ram; brothers Charlie and Harry Butler; a Punjab Lancer.