TRADERS and visitors were delighted to be back at the Westmorland County Show this year and there were also plenty of first time attendees.

One of those was Peter Millican, from Edinburgh, who had travelled down to support his friend who was showing alpacas.

“This is the first time,” he said.

“I’ve had a good day I’ve had a look at the pigs and the sheep and I hope to see some cattle.”

And it was also Paul and Angela Chesworth’s first time at the show.

“It’s been brilliant, lots to see,” said Mr Chesworth, from Carnforth.

“It’s great to see people out supporting the farmers with the year everyone has had,” said Mrs Chesworth. “The way that it’s been organised, the sanitation and it being outdoors you feel secure.”

Friends Janet Van Dyke and Marian Fitzpatrick from Woodplumpton enjoyed a picnic close to the alpacas.

“It’s been brilliant, we’ve seen the animals and we’ve done a bit of shopping,” said Ms Van Dyke.

The show provides an opportunity for local businesses to show off their goods and reach wider audiences.

Dave Hall has been coming to the show for eight years with his business Mint Drinks Company.

“People get to see what we do and we can give out plenty of tasters and sell lots of drinks,” he said. “We’re a local product and it’s for local people. It sells really well and we enjoy doing it, it’s a nice show to do, we live just down the road and it’s nice to get out and see people again.

“It’s always a good event and it’s fantastic to be back.

“When you’re used to going to events like this every weekend and then suddenly you can’t go out and you have nothing it’s horrid.”

And Andrew Rigg, of Susan’s Farmhouse Fudge, based in Lancashire, has been attending the show with his stall for more than 20 years.

“We produce the fudge on our farm to retail at shows,” he said. “We come here and do other shows all over the country.

“It’s good fun, you get to meet lots of people and enjoy the weather. It’s nice to be back.”

Mum and daughter duo Jana and Ali Chovanova, of Kendal-based Staff of Life Bakery, have been coming to the show for 14 years.

“It’s definitely good to be back after last year,” said Ali. “We have been looking forward to coming here.”