ORGANISERS of the 97th annual Thornton-le-Dale show said the event continued to be a fantastic part of country life.

The show, which took place today (Wednesday) at the village showfield, was expected to have record numbers of visitors with entries up across the board.

Held in the village’s showfield, the show included classes in cattle, sheep, horses, goats and pigs, as well as fur and feather.

Also on display was a wide range of horticulture and crafts along with a variety of children’s sections, With crowds flocking to the event from early morning, show chairman Martin Blythe said it had been a perfect day and another successful show.

"The weather has been excellent with sunny skies and a breeze which is ideal for the animals while warm enough for people to sit outside," he added.

"We appear to have more visitors than ever as well as people love to come to the show."

Martin said the standards across all sections had been very high, with a good number of entries.

“We have around 2,000 entries in the craft and produce tents which reflects the country show element and we needed a 380metre tent for it all to go in.

“People also like to come here to show their animals and the showcase really does reflect the best of British farming. This is a lot of what we are about - -to preserve the country way of life and provide an enjoyable show."

Martin said the feedback on the day’s entertainment had been very positive with displays in the main ring, including Jamie Squibb and fire stunts as well as musical entertainment.

"Our aim is to provide something for everyone to enjoy.

“The live musical entertainment was something else as well, quite impressive, I could just come along and listen to the music with a glass of bee, I would be happy with that,” he said.

Martin said visitor numbers usually ranged between 12,000 and 15,000 and expected this year to be nearer the top end due to the good weather.

“We spend all year working on the show getting everything ready and then three days before our thoughts turn to the weather,” he said.

Martin, 66, who has been show chairman for 27 years and for the rest of the year works at Lady Lumley's School in Pickering, said he enjoyed the show.

“Thornton-le-Dale Show is not only one of the high spots in the annual calendar for locals, but it also acts as the focal point for our many friends throughout the country, and indeed further afield, who return year after year to renew acquaintances on show day,” he said.

"I love living in the countryside and the show is a fantastic part of country life."