“A GREAT family day with a friendly atmosphere” was the overwhelming verdict of this year’s Ryedale Show.

The 151st event, which was held at Welburn Park, near Kirkbymoorside, attracted thousands of visitors.

Weather conditions were described as near perfect for the show - with fine weather throughout the day.

This year’s show presidents were William and Doreen Curtis of Keldholme, Kirkbymoorside, who have been involved with the event for many years.

Mr Curtis said: “Ryedale Show has grown over the years but it has still retained its friendly, family atmosphere.

"It has been a great honour to be chosen as president and it has been a lovely day.”

Livestock entries were up across the board as thousands of visitors enjoyed the annual event.

More than 5,000 entries were recorded across all sections with record-breakers in the sheep, pigs and goats.

The horse section saw more than 800 entries with many classes forming qualifiers for the Horse of The Year Show.

In the cattle section, a near record of 228 entries, including Dairy, Beef and Young Handler Sections, from all parts of Yorkshire, Humberside and also Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, took part.

The sheep section had a record-breaking 1,154 entries over 27 different sections, despite having to limit each exhibitor to two entries per class due to space.

Show secretary Christine Thompson said: “We are delighted that entries have done so well as it is also the Royal International Show.

“A lot of the entries were also shown at the Great Yorkshire Show earlier this month.”

This year’s show presidents were William and Doreen Curtis of Keldholme, Kirkbymoorside.

William has been a council member for many years and Doreen has also been involved as a steward within the produce section. Their son, William Jnr is also this year’s show chairman.

Doreen said: “It has been a lovely show and we have had a wonderful day, which has flown by so quickly.

“I have been involved in the show for more than 50 years and my husband for even longer with his father.”

Doreen added: “The show is much bigger than it was but has not got too big.

“It is still a very personal show where people see friends and catch up with people they perhaps don’t see all year.

“Ryedale Show is always well-supported by the local community, as well as people from further afield as there is something for everyone.”

The following supporters were awarded with Honorary Life Membership Awards in the main ring at the start of the grand parade: l Pat Woodall, of Marton, for her support and work for the show over the last 25 years.

Ray and Lynn Bowman, of Pickering. Ray and Lynn have been involved with the Pickering Scout Group for many years and have kindly organised their scouts to sell catalogues at the show. They are both retiring from scouting this year.

David Pleming, of Alfreton, Derbyshire. David was joint secretary of the show in its 100th year and was involved in the discussions with the Shaw Family to arrange the show’s permanent showground 50 years ago. He has been a regular visitor to the show each year since.

Mavis Davison, of Pickering. Mavis has been a great supporter of agriculture in the Ryedale area for many years and her involvement with the YFC clubs within Ryedale has been particularly well noted.