AN ANNUAL country show attracted top quality exhibits despite coming on the back of a tough spring for farmers.

Entrants for the 28th Eastgate Sheep Show, in Weardale, County Durham, were down on previous years but organisers said some fine livestock was on display yesterday (Saturday, June 1).

And visitors enjoyed a variety of attractions including a dog show, children’s pet show, family entertainment and a beer tent.

Show secretary Paul Collinson said: “Numbers were a little bit down on other years because it has been such a bad spring for sheep farmers but other than that it was a really good day, everyone seemed to have a good time and there were some very good quality exhibits.”

The supreme champion was a Suffolk shown by Catherine Raine, of Stanhopegate Farm, Middleton-in-Teesdale.

The main winners were - Champion Swaledale: RW Clarkson, of Low Whita Farm, Swaledale. Champion Suffolk: C Raine, of Stanhopegate Farm, Middleton-in-Teesdale. Champion blue faced Leicester: T Willoughby, of Redmire, Leyburn. Champion local blue faced Leicester: H Hutchinson, of Whitehouse Farm, Eastgate. Champion mule: N Marsden, of Cockermouth. Champion texel: M Skidmore, of Hanging Wells, Eastgate.