Agricultural shows will survive next year's historical shake up of farm subsidies, according to the president of one of Cumbria's smallest and oldest shows.

A lot of farmers are expected to give up commercial farming when subsidies linked to what farmers' produce are phased out from 2005. But for those who stay, new payments linked to land area instead of livestock numbers could liberate them.

"It may in some ways help shows," argued Tony Dixon, speaking in the ring of the 143rd Grayrigg Show. "I foresee stock numbers will reduce and people will have more time to come to shows."

The farmers who had made it to the sunny Little Docker showfield this year certainly met with an enthusiastic reception from a good-sized crowd.

A delighted Andrew Bailey, of Crook-o-Lune Farm, carried off the champion's cup with his Holstein Lambankera'.

In the sheep pens, 12-year-old Alistair Thompson, of Selside, followed in his father's farming footsteps as he scooped two first prizes in the Suffolk sheep class. Alistair made his first ever competition a memorable one as he beat all-comers taking the top prize for the Tup lamb and Gimmer lamb.

Meanwhile, the accolade of supreme sheep went to a champion Swaledale shown by Kirkby Stephen-based Ivor Allonby, a fine sheep which last year took the top slot at Moorcock Show, Hawes.

In the handicrafts tent, old-hand Lenore Knowles picked up the perpetual challenge cup for the most points despite having to perform a last-minute repair job to a dented cheesecake.

"I did a bit of a lick and tidy-up but I didn't win anything for that," she said, adding: "I thought my lemon cake was good and it was! I'm blowing my own trumpet for the WI, my skills are thanks to them. I have always been eager to learn and gone to all the classes."

One young handicrafts learner, Caleb Yare, six, enthused that the best thing about taking part in the show was "trying" after picking up fourth prize with his rotten apple' entry - an apple humorously staked with a pipe-cleaner caterpillar.

His mum Bernie Yare said: "Even though we are a small community it's nice to think we can still do this show. It brings people together."