A RURAL show in the North-East was one of the first in the country to hold livestock classes after the Government relaxed a movement ban imposed following the recent foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Organisers of Stanhope Agricultural Society's 166th annual show, in County Durham, were relieved when Defra announced livestock movements would return to normal outside the affected area on Saturday.

The move came just in time to hastily put two popular sheep classes back on the schedule.

Agricultural section secretary Paul Collinson said: "It was a mad dash to get it back on, but a lot of local people rallied round to make sure we had some sheep at the show.

"It is such an important part of the event, traditional and popular."

A familiar face around the sheep pens was that of Weardale farmer Bill Wearmouth, who switched this year from being a hugely successful exhibitor to judge, for the fleece class.

Mr Wearmouth, who with his son, George, and grandson, Christopher, farms at Rose Hill Farm, in Eastgate, has retired from showing sheep after 50 years.

During his career, the 74-year-old has won countless awards for his blue-faced Leicesters, including five consecutive years as champion of The Royal Show and six at the Great Yorkshire Show.

He said: "Defra's decision came just in time and it is lovely to see sheep being part of the show. It would definitely be a huge shame if they weren't here.

"They are very good sheep as well, which is good to see from local farmers."

On Saturday, visitors enjoyed the small livestock and industrial marquees, horticulture yesterday and horse and dog competitions on both days.

Two days of glorious weather meant the bumper crowds that turned out for both days were able to enjoy music from Stanhope Silver Band, sulky racing, sheepdog handling with geese and ducks, racing pigs, wife-carrying, bale-pulling and other entertainment in the sunshine.

Society president Walton Dalton said: "I think it is still the premier show in the dale.

"We've managed to keep the atmosphere and traditional features and attract more people with new ideas all of the time.

"With the good weather and being able to have sheep, without them it wouldn't be a real agricultural show, we've had a marvellous weekend."

RESULTS

Horse and Pony

H E Emerson Perpetual Cup for best

ridden hunter - Moorbenhall Cane, A Bennett

The Trueman Trophy for champion sport

horse - Moorbenhall Cane, A Bennett

Silver Salver for Supreme overall champion - Nunthorpe Wanted Warrior, J Bennett

The Bryndir Stud Trophy for section D - Penstrumbly Sparkling Modle, J Bennett

The Wretnall Trophy- Wretnall Saffron, A L Collin

Mardenway Stud Trophy for section A youngstock champion - Mardenway, E Ferguson

The Lane Head Trophy for section B youngstock champion - Elvet Arianne, Mr and Mrs K Stewart

The Greenfoot Holiday Home Park Trophy for section C youngstock champion - Rhosgaer Robster, J Swinburn

Deerness Trophy for section D youngstock champion - Hillgarth Rosie Ribbons, S W McNeal

Kanarth Demetrius Memorial Rosebowl for best Welsh cob stallion - Nunthorpe Wanted Warrior, J Bennett

Everard Quarries Shield - Lippens Honey Bunch, Eden Wilson Taylor

Champion Welsh Pony Shield - Mardenway 007, E Ferguson

Stanhope Agricultural Society Trophy for Section B overall champion - Craigbanog Haf Arian, J Aldred

The Bryndir Stud Shield for champion section C - Nunthorpe Wanted Warrior, J Bennett

The Monumental Shield for overall section D champion - Penstrumbly Sparkling Modle, J Bennett

Clydesdales - Champion: Cocklaw Beauty, E Cumber. Clydesdale Shield: Dapple Elizabeth Ann, G Gorman.

Coloured Horses - Champion: Expense Eve, J Cameron. Reserve: Oscar XII, H Forster.

Dales Ponies - Champion: Village May Queen, R Corner.

Reserve: Highcroft Merlin, J Carr.

Heavy Horse Turnout - Champion and Reserve: Gawin Holmes.

Driving - Champion Selatyn Romeo, K Wilson. Reserve: King, John Martland.

SHEEP

APCM Silver Salver - I Collinson

Society Perpetual Trophy for best Swaledale - I Collinson

Robson Animal Health Trophy for most points - I Collinson

Best fleece in show - R Dalton

Overall champion - T Walton