THE cream of Cumbria was on display for flocks of visitors to enjoy at this year's 122nd Millom and Broughton Agricultural Society's annual show, reports Ruth Lythe.

"I think that this show is one of the very best because it has something of everything but in an intimate atmosphere," said president John Ilett in his address to the crowds.

He went on to urge show goers to forget the problems that had recently affected agriculture and instead "enjoy the atmosphere at this year's event."

Sporting highlights of the day included fell running, show jumping, dog racing and Cumberland and Westmorland style wrestling, all framed against the scenic backdrop of West Park, Broughton.

Visitors from far and wide soaked up the sunshine and were enthralled by the magnificent examples of poultry and livestock, cooking, artwork, flowers and horticulture, not forgetting the fabulous ferrets on display in the ring.

In the feather classes, veteran poultry breeder Oliver Chalker proved the importance of experience with his clutch of rosettes, including best Leghorn and best White Wyandotte.

"I have been breeding poultry for 50 years," he said. "But I never lose the thrill of winning shows. It gets in your blood and you never lose it."

Meanwhile in the show ring, eight-year-old Charley Logan from Kirkby-in-Furness won over spectators and judges in the fancy dress class as she and her Shetland pony, Cobweb, modelled a rag and bone man's costume.

Another equine showstopper was the majestic Sea Pearls Talon. Standing at 15,2 hands, the three-year-old was awarded the ultimate accolade and crowned supreme champion of the show.

Owner Tamara Atkinson was delighted at her success, especially because she had only previously shown pedigree beef cattle.

However, she said she planned to follow up her horse's victory with visits to other local shows and marked her achievement with a celebratory ice cream.

Delighted father and son team, Andrew and Geoffrey Butcher of Stone Beck Texels, Ulverston, repeated their feat at Cartmel Show, winning the Champion Texel in show. The pair put the secret of their success purely down to the family's "hard work."

First-time entrant Dick Holden of Sykehouse Barn, Broughton, was also clearly thrilled with the "pleasant surprise" of his victory. His winning Holstein cow snatched the prize for the supreme cattle champion.

Meanwhile in the wrestling ring, Graham Brocklebank once again eclipsed his rivals, as he had done a week earlier at Grasmere Sports.

The 14-year-old cruised to victory in the under-15 and under-16s classes. He also showed his worth against older wrestlers, winning the trophy for "the most meritous performance" and bringing a day full of excitement to a close.

Broughton's Gary Thorpe won the fell race ahead of Helm Hill's Shaun Addison. First lady was G. Turner of Broughton. The junior races were won by J. Gannon, Warrington (U12 girl), D. Hortworth (U12 boy), V. Temple, Ulverston (U14 girl) and J. Jardine (U14 boy), Broughton.