AN ANNUAL event celebrating rural life and the countryside enjoyed a record attendance at this year's edition.

Visitors flocked to Westmorland County Showground in Crooklands for the Country Fest last weekend (June 1 and 2).

The sun was shining at the 16th edition of the event which celebrates rural life and invites families to be given a real taste of the countryside.

The show raises funds for the Westmorland County Agricultural Society to help support farming and the countryside.

Various competitions took place over the two days, including a rabbit, ferret, terrier and companion dog show.

Similar to previous years, a school challenge occurred involving South Cumbria schools.

This year the competition consisted of using a variety of recyclable containers to make a colourful, eye-catching display where schools could create displays by sowing seeds, and planting seedlings or plants.

READ MORE: Orphaned ducklings rescued from A590 by business owner

The family-orientated event offered a range of activities around the field, including a demonstration of Ponies, giant tortoises and kites and teddy parachuting.

Throughout the weekend, many local businesses offered a vast range of crafts. Several stalls of drinks and food were also available in the food zone.

Classic enthusiasts were in for a treat with an extensive display of historic cars, classic motorcycles, tractors, and vintage Landrover.

Entertainment took place all weekend with performances from Common Ground, Rigney Bank Ballet School and Milnthorpe Steel Band.

Angela Cornthwaite, of Westmorland County Agricultural Society, said: “We had a fabulous weekend with record attendance each day. The sun shone and our visitors really enjoyed the range of activities and things to see and do.

"Over the weekend we hosted the 8th Annual Rare Breeds Survival Trust Young Shepherd competition which was very well received by both competitors and visitors alike."

Organisers are now busy preparing for the Westmorland County Show set to take place in September.

Country Fest will return next year for its 17th edition.