THERE was some success for dale entrants at an agricultural show which draws competitors from a wide geographical area.
Brough Show, which was held last week, attracts folk from as far afield as Kendal in the west to the likes of Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, in the east.
However, it was a farmer much closer to the show’s home who took the trophy for the champion sheep on the field.
Judge Andrew Marston selected Stephen Pedley’s Bluefaced Leicester gimmer lamb as his champion.
Mr Pedley, from near Kirkby Stephen, said his prize winner was sired by Carryhouse L1.
The reserve champion – a Zwartble ram – was shown by Peter and Susan Addison, of Hayberries, Mickleton.
There was further success for the Addisons in the any other breed section, where their Beltex ewe was awarded first place.
In the hotly contested Swaledale section, Thomas Brogden’s ewe to have produced a lamb in 2019 took the honours.
A delighted Mr Brogden explained that the ewe’s twin brother had taken the Brough Show Swaledale title last year.
In the horse section, there was a one-two for the Eccles family, from Middleton-in-Teesdale, in the Dales Pony classes.
Show veteran Westwick Polly was crowned champion while a yearling, Westwick Lily II followed up her success at Appleby by taking reserve.
It was a real family day out for the Eccles clan. David and Alison’s daughter Emma, 12, took part in the ridden classes, while David’s granddaughter, seven-year-old Lily, took part in her first young handlers competition.
The family will be next in action at the Bowes Show, on September 14.
In the adjacent ring, the best Fell Pony from the small selection on show was judged to be Midtown Lucy, shown by Kirkby Stephen’s Ray Alderson.
The show field was in good condition despite the heavy rain which preceded the event and a steady stream of visitors made their way through the gates.
In addition to the livestock sections there was a well contested horticultural and industrial competition along with a dog show, with entries taken on the day.
A whole range of organisations supported the event by taken trade stands, showcasing everything from electric-powered bikes to efforts to conserve red squirrels.
