ONE of the most scenic agricultural shows took place at the weekend.

Rosedale Show, which was founded in 1871, was held at Rosedale Abbey and included a range of attractions for all the family.

Alongside the traditional livestock classes, horticulture and crafts, there were foxhound and terrier shows, gundogs, terrier races and hound trails. The gymkhana also returned this year and music was provided by Malton White Star Band.

Secretary Malcolm Leckenby said it has been another successful show.

“The weather kept dry until about 2pm and we had a good turnout of visitors,” he said. “Overall it was a successful show and a good day.”

Rosedale Show president Francis Richardson, who has showed his heavy horses at the event in the heart of the North York Moors for 40 years, watched with delight as his son, Mark, scooped several cups in the main ring, while sheep farmer Steven Kirby’s father and grandfather applauded as he sealed another supreme champion award in his most successful season.

Mr Richardson said his family had been competing at country shows since landing a title with a Hackey in 1898 and the success with his 12-week-old foal, Georgie Girl, upheld the tradition.

He said: “To still have the number of classes at a small show like this is fantastic. Heavy horses finished working the fields 50 years ago.”

While Mr Kirby’s family started farming at Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton, about 200 years ago, his grandfather Robert said: “I’m very proud of him. I gave him two ewes when he was 11 and he has never looked back.”

For former village caretaker John Dent, 73, the show involved four days of volunteering and being on the showground at 6am on the day, while the Dring family travelled from London to help run the show.