FOOT-and-mouth restrictions meant there were no sheep at the weekend's 120th Bowes Annual Show, but record entries in other classes delighted organisers.

Although the ban on moving livestock has been lifted, it came too late for the landmark agricultural show, which enjoyed glorious sunshine on Saturday.

Organisers said the absence of sheep, usually the show's main attraction, had encouraged more people to enter in different categories.

There were 1,151 entries in the industrial and horticultural section, up more than 250 on last year.

Industrial secretary Margaret Cooper said: "We had lots of young local people having a go, which is fantastic, and what we have wanted for years. Because the sheep were cancelled, the farmers' wives have had more time to prepare their entries.

"Maybe because it is the 120th show, everyone wanted it to be a success - a huge thank you to all who have taken part."

It was also a bumper year for entrants in the horse and dog competitions, which ran on Saturday afternoon in the grounds of Home Farm, near Bowes.

President of the show, Arnold Kipling, said: "The 120th show is another milestone in the history of Bowes Agricultural Society.

"We should thank our lucky stars that we live in and look after this countryside. It is such a safe place to live and hopefully always will be."