FEARS that Ryedale Show may have to be called off because of the torrential rain last month turned to joy yesterday when the 146th show went ahead with a record attendance, entries and sunshine.

Organisers held a meeting 10 days ago and decided that the show should go ahead, and their confidence was rewarded with what they believe was probably the best show ever.

Pat Harrison, who is assistant to the general secretary, said: “Everything has gone well, and we’re delighted. We did have some anxious days when the weather was bad but the investment the show committee has put into improving the drainage system paid dividends. As a result, the ground was perfect.”

Virtually every section of the show saw a rise in entries and in some cases records were broken.

President Peter Woodall said: “It’s been a brilliant show. The weather was in our favour throughout the day despite forecasts that it was going to rain by mid-afternoon.

“We had a great success on our hands.”

Coun Eric Hope, chairman of Ryedale District Council, said: “It was a marvellous day.

“The show generates so much interest from such a wide area and today it must be one of the top agricultural shows in the north. It’s a splendid way to promote the farming industry in Ryedale and must have a big economic benefit for the district, both on show day and in the weeks ahead.”