A FEAST of family fun is promised at the 99th Thornton-le-Dale Show today (Wednesday).

More than 14,000 people are expected to attend the popular event, with the show rated as one of friendliest of the county’s traditional rural shows.

With the entertainment getting under way at 9am, the show continues well into the evening.

>> Picture gallery from Thornton-le-Dale Show archive

A spokesperson for the show said: “There is the working terrier show, lurcher show, junior show jumping, children’s fancy dress and sports events ranging from the men’s 400-yard race (tradition forbids adoption of the metric system of measurement) to a real crowd puller, the hugely entertaining, children’s tug of war competition.

“If you are pleased with your pastries, jealous of your jam making, proud of your patchwork, admired for your art or creative in your craftwork, then why not enter the handicrafts and produce section.

“Can you make the supreme fruit liquor, the tastiest homemade sausages, the finest pork pork, the scariest scarecrow, do your sheep have the finest fleeces?

“There are classes to cover every conceivable interest and skill ranging from chutney making to crochet and from photography to patchwork and quilting.

“Or perhaps you have green fingers and enjoy gardening or flower arranging?

“Whatever your interest the show is sure to cater for it.”

Jamie Squibb, a freestyle motocross display rider, is back this year, along with the Company of Horsemen, an equine stunt team, while Joseph Peace will perform his fire show.

On display will be many fine examples of local craft skills, typically including wood turning, furniture making, handcrafted greetings cards, pottery, silk printing, painting and dyeing, hand embroidered pictures, jewellery making, candle making, stained glass, fine art, cold cast bronze, handmade soap, patchwork and quilting.

There are long established classes for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses and an ever-popular fur and feather section.

Traditional rural crafts figure prominently, and the show boasts one of the best shepherds’ crook and walking stick exhibition in the region.

Entrants in the renowned Open Sheepdog Trial include a number of National Championship contestants.

Approximately 150 trophies are there to be won and cash prizes in over 450 classes.

This year’s show presidents are Colin and Pauline Wright, from Thornton-le-Dale.

The showfield is in the centre of the village.

Entrance fees are: adults £10, children aged five to 16 years £4, children under five free. Admission to the showfield after 4pm is £2.50.

Car parking is free.

Further information is available by visiting the website www.thorntonledale.com