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

Organisers saw their hard work pay off when the Saltburn Craft and Produce Show was reborn. The seaside town last held the event in 1953.

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

Mystery surrounds why the show ceased 54 years ago, but with the efforts of volunteers and support from the community, the event relaunched on Saturday.

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 it has not been on a yearly basis since 1953.

"As you can see around the room, there is a lot of good stuff that local people produce - so enjoy it."

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

At the opening of 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 about 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 revived in a bid to encourage youngsters to put their baking, growing and craft skills to the test.

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.

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."