Westmorland County Show sees thousands attending first day

The two-day Westmorland County Show, voted one of the UK’s favourite, started on Wednesday with an array of showing and livestock judging.

The Beef Shorthorn National Show and the Northern Goat Show were among the highlights of the opening day at the Lane Farm, Crooklands, venue.

Herdwicks on the show (Image: Filipa Gaspar, Newsquest)

Competing for the coveted prizes across 32 different sections were over 1,400 sheep, including local breeds such as the Rough Fell and Herdwick, and other upland varieties such as Swaledale and Dalesbred.

Light horses, show jumping and private driving classes were also competing on the day. 

There was also a wide range of stalls on offer including food vendors, craft stalls and traders selling everything from farming equipment to food items at one of the oldest and most famous shows in the country

Helen Skelton taking part at one of the showings (Image: Filipa Gaspar, Newsquest)

Thousands of people were walking around the county show enjoying what it had to offer including Cumbrian celebrity Helen Skelton who was spotted filming for the show Winter on the Farm for Channel 5.

Farmer Paul Harrison, from York attended the event for the first time to help his friend from Newcastleton with his Shorthorns.

Farmer Paul Harrison (Image: Filipa Gaspar, Newsquest)

They received a third and a fourth and had more classes to attend later on the day.

He said: "It is a lovely show and I will come again - it is such a country show. A lot of the bigger shows now are getting away from what they originally are. It does represent the country and what it is all about."

Joan Meakin, from Storth, has been a volunteer with the Rotary Club at the show for 'many years'.

Joan Meakin volunteering at the show (Image: Filipa Gaspar, Newsquest)

She said: "I love the atmosphere. There's people from all walks of life here and they have all got different interests but everyone here is usually so happy even when the weather is wet people turn out and I think it is because of the variety that is on offer."

Award-winning bakery Loving Artisan, based in Kendal, was present at the show with visitors queueing up to purchase their famous sourdough breads.

Founder Aidan Monks said they attend the show every year and they 'love it'.

Aidan Monks runs Loving Artisan with his wife Catherine Connor (Image: Filipa Gaspar, Newsquest)

"It is a very important part of the food year to be here at the county show and especially at the food tent because all the local producers come together," he said.

Steve Odams and Keith Milligan, of Lakeland Historic Car Club, had their vintage vehicles on display.

When asked what visitors say about their cars, Keith explained it brings back memories for a lot of people.

Keith and Steve next to their cars at the show (Image: Filipa Gaspar, Newsquest)

Keith said he had been taking part in the show for about 15 years and Steve for two years.

He said: "It gets you out in the open for starters and then we all enjoy being together."