A LOCAL hero helped launch a town's first craft and produce show for 50 years.

But organisers saw their hard work pay off when the Saltburn Craft and Produce Show was once again reborn.

Helping in the celebrations was mine-clearing expert David Alderson, who lost his leg following an explosion in Lebanon when he went to the aid of a shepherd who had become stranded in an unmarked minefield.

The seaside town last held the popular event in 1953.

Mystery surrounds why the event ceased 54 years ago, but with the efforts of volunteers and support of the community the event re-launched on Saturday without a hitch.

Crowds flocked to celebrate the eagerly-awaited event, which has taken months of planning and preparations.

Saltburn-born Mr Alderson, whose heroic efforts made national headlines and won him a bravery medal from the Royal Humane Society, told the crowd: "I was very pleased to be asked to come and open this show as this show has not been on a yearly basis since 1953. As you can see around the room there is a lot of good stuff that the locals actually produce - so enjoy it."

Saltburn Women's Institute (WI) and Saltburn Allotments Association were responsible for re-launching the event.

Opening the show, WI president Ann Cowie said: "David Alderson is our very own home-grown hero. We are very proud to welcome him here to open the show."

The event attracted around 200 entries.

WI member Pauline Davies said: "It has exceeded our expectations. It is a sense of achievement really after all this time. We are hoping that after today people will come in and look and think 'oh, I can do that,' then maybe they will enter next year."

Mrs Cowie said the show was re-launched in a bid to encourage youngsters to put their baking, growing and craft skills to the test.

Unfortunately, not as many children entered as organisers would have liked, but members hope the show will attract more young competitors next year.

The prize for Best in Show was awarded to Margaret Graham for her cross-stitch picture, while Maurice Thompson won the title for the Most Points in Show.

One of the judges, Norma Mallam, said standards had been high. She said: "It has been brilliant. It has been very difficult to judge."

Sue Featherstone, secretary of the Saltburn Allotments Association, said: "This has just been a great opportunity for two organisations that have not previously worked together to actually make this happen. It is really nice to see people making an effort."

The show included a range of categories for adults and children, including produce, flower arranging, cakes, painting and crafts.

Money raised from the event will go towards next year's show.