THE ANNUAL open show and sheep dog trials organised by the Ravenstonedale Agricultural Society attracted a large number of visitors to the High Lane Field showground at Newbiggin-on-Lune.

While Skelton Show just a few miles north was cancelled due to a waterlogged field, exhibitors and visitors to Ravenstonedale enjoyed the summer sunshine and traditional agricultural show.

Secretary of the Ravenstonedale Agricultural Society's show committee, Ann Mason, told The Messenger: "Overall entries for the show are slightly down on last year. But this is the first year that we have had back the sheep following the foot-and-mouth outbreak. We have been pleased by the number of entries in the sheep classes.

"We are always looking for people to join the committee, and who would be willing to work, especially on show day."

Around the showground, disinfectant mats and buckets were situated for visitors to clean their boots before entering the sheep pens, as part of the increased bio security following the 2001 F&M outbreak.

The show had something for all the family with children's sports and bouncy castles as well as the industrial tent and sheep trials. There was a good turnout for the annual Green Bell Fell Race.