Hot, sunny weather and an action packed programme of events made 2004 a record breaking Lowther Horse Driving Trials and Country Fair, reports Karen Morley.

For the first time in its 31-year history, horse jumping was introduced to Lowther, and organisers believe the move has been a major influence in increasing the numbers attending the popular event.

The weekend was successful for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, a regular competitor at Lowther, who came second in the Class 2 Team of Four Ponies event.

Over the three days more than 60,000 people attended the major Cumbrian county pursuits event, which has proved an economic boost not only for local businesses but this year for the Cumbria Cerebral Palsy charity.

Lowther Horse Driving Trials and Country Fair is a non-profit making "charitable" organisation and the marketing officer for this year's nominated charity, Samantha Smith, based at Cumbria Cerebral Palsy office in Carlisle, said the charity was very grateful to the committee.

She said: "Lowther is the major event in the county calendar and our stand at the show has helped raise the profile of the charity.

"Everyone entering the show has passed our stand and we have been able to give more information out about the work Cumbria Cerebral Palsy does.

"For us, fund-raising initiatives such as the one at Lowther 2004 are absolutely vital to continue to provide essential services."

Money was raised for the charity at Lowther 2004 through a number of different ways including a balloon-filled car from which visitors were invited to guess the number of balloons, a raffle and a collection made during the RAF Falcon Parachute Jump Display on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Lowther is ALSO a great economic boost for local businesses, giving members of organisations such as Made In Cumbria the opportunity to show their produce to a wider audience, and other businesses.

With people interested in country pursuits coming from across the county and further afield to the event, local business people such as Tina Galloway, from Kirkby Stephen, and Gay Parkin, from Penrith, who are part of the bring your horse on holiday initiative, see Lowther as a major profile raiser.

Tina said: "Lowther and an equine event in Harrogate are the only events we take a stand at. Lowther attracts people from across the country interested in countryside events and we feel this is a great place to reach potential customers."

Gay explained: "We are a group of holiday accommodation owners who have got together to encourage people to bring their horses and ride in Cumbria. With the Pennine Bridleway coming up it is a growth area. We have noted a considerable growth in interest and take up of the holidays in the past few years."

Horses Holidays in Cumbria not only provides accommodation for horse and rider, but also detailed routes.

As well as a stage for local businesses, Lowther is also a fun day out for all the family. Cumbria County Council's Learn and Play Area provides arts and crafts for young visitors and information about the range of services the council provides for all.

This year, Lowther was chosen by Safer Roads for Cumbria - the partnership between Cumbria County Council, Highways Agency, Cumbria Constabulary, Capita (Road Safety), Chamber of Commerce, the Primary Care Trusts, the Freight Transport Association and Cumbria Safety Cameras to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the county's roads, to launch their young people's road safety campaign Streetwise. A balloon race was held over the three days, and information about Safer Roads for Cumbria was available from starting point, encouraging young people to think about road safety.

Visitors leaving Lowther 2004 were invited to attend next year's event which will be held on August 5, 6 and 7.