"BRITISH farming is worth fighting for," was the message Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins delivered to the ten thousand people gathered at Cartmel Show on Wednesday.

Mr Collins, the president of the annual agricultural gathering, said the 121st show had been a huge success, drawing the crowds eager to sample a slice of the action - ranging from the cream of Cumbria's cattle to the culinary skills of celebrity chef Nick Nairn.

"I'd like you to look around and see this beautiful countryside and if anyone ever says that British agriculture doesn't matter or that British farming is on its knees - think of Cartmel show," said Mr Collins.

And despite a wet start, crowds and competitors were not deterred, turning up armed with umbrellas and Wellingtons to ensure an increased number of exhibits in many sections.

As the kilted Barrow St Andrews Pipe Band paraded, Ulverston farmer Andrew Butcher, of Stone Beck Farm, was sweeping the board in the sheep categories. He not only won the Perpetual Challenge cup for the best pair of female sheep but his three-year-old Texel ewe was crowned best Texel and best female.

Despite doing well at North Lonsdale Show, Mr Butcher was surprised at the scale of his success - this is only his second year of showing.

He said: "To win today is an incredible achievement, especially judging from the quality of the stock."

Also celebrating was Ikeam Grisedale from Greenmount Farm, Crooklands. He was "delighted" to have triumphed, with a ewe from his 30-strong herd of pedigree Llyen taking the prize for the best in breed.

Surprisingly, this was the first year he had shown his flock although previously he has enjoyed success with Limousin cattle and Herdwicks.

Cartmel veteran Robert Brown is unlikely to tire of the picturesque setting at the racecourse, especially after his five-year-old Wheaten Old English Game Bantam flew away with the prize for the best hard feather bird in the poultry section.

"This isn't the first time I have shown here," said the retired farmhand from Uldale. I have been coming for about 20 years. It is a nice setting and a good all-round show."

Meanwhile, in the horse section, judges agreed that the level of this year's competition was very high, with few competitors deterred by the dull weather.

Among entrants from across the country was the local winner of the Private Turnout Driving, Mike Clark from Sedbergh.

His stick back gig built by Allsop and Son of Cambridge and 15,2 hand cob, Thorneyside The Foreman, driven by Sedbergh man, John Bell, trotted away with first prize.

Mr Clark said of his victory: "I am absolutely delighted, especially because the horse is such a joy to be around. He loves being with people."

Two-year-old Aberdeen Angus, Eujubilee, stole the show in the realms of the cattle ring. The mighty bovine caught the eye of judges to pick up first prize in the native beef class, before walking, rather slowly but firmly, away with the title of overall beef champion.

Breeders, John Holmes and Viv Blackstock from Canny Hill Farm, near Newby Bridge, explained they had seen similar success with the gleaming black beast at shows across the North.

"He got champion at Carlisle and at the Royal Lancashire Show and fourth place at Harrogate, so he's doing well," said Ms Blackstock, who picked up the prestigious title last year too. "He's got a good set of legs, they're his best point, and he's also a good length."

The judge, Ian Mallinson, agreed: "He's got a lot of flesh on him and he tracks well on his feet. He's a tremendous bull."

"There has been an excellent show of cattle," added Holstein judge, Martin Bristol. "The standard has been very high, it has been excellent."

With 642 entries, village industries secretary Christine Knipe said some classes had "really taken off" with numbers up on the previous show. "The quality is wonderful," she explained, pointing out her personal favourite - a pair of miniature teddy bears "beautifully embroidered" by Ayside exhibitor, Joyce Dalton.

In the horticulture tent, delightful dahlias and breathtaking begonias mixed with pink, yellow and red hybrid roses to fill the marquee with colour.

And with fairy cakes, flapjacks, fruit loaves and flans, the cookery categories offered a mouth-watering selection.

But this was not the only culinary delight to be found at the show. Celebrity chef and star of BBC show Ready Steady Cook, Nick Nairn, gave a cookery demonstration to rapt crowds In 40 minutes, Mr Nairn created a three-course gastronomic glory using fresh Cumbrian produce such as shrimps from Morecambe Bay, Saltmarsh Lamb and organic vegetables. Speaking about the importance of "fantastic" locally grown produce, he said: "Getting food from where it comes from really shows, you can export things but they are never going to taste better than when they are fresh."

As the day drew to a close, contented showgoers, judges and competitors could only agree with Mr Collins that the quality of British farming today, "is something to be celebrated".

Reporting by Ruth Lythe, Ellie Hargreaves. Results: Eva Brennand Photo: Mark Harrison