VISITORS flocked to the oldest country show in England at the weekend.

The first Wolsingham Show in 1763 was a cattle show and the livestock classes continue to be a major attraction for farmers and families at the County Durham event.

People turned out in their droves on Saturday and Sunday after last year’s event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

At the time, Ken Lough event president said: “Under the present rules it would be impossible to hold the show. You can’t socially distance on the show field.”

However, this year organisers managed to pull off the event by following health and safety guidelines.

Prior to the event a spokesperson said: “Organisers and staff at the Wolsingham Show are working hard to keep our upcoming show as safe as possible.”

The event has only ever been cancelled before for the world wars and the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

It kicked off on Saturday for an agricultural day, with competitors from across the county exhibiting their prime cattle, sheep, horses, dogs, birds and small animals for judging.

There was also a craft tent, donkey rides, vintage vehicles, birds of prey, Diggerland, alpacas and a dog agility show.

The event is one of three major shows in Weardale and had dozens of vegetables, plants, flowers, artwork and crafts on display in the industrial and horticultural tents.

On Sunday, country fair day featured a KC dog ahow, Ferret show, alpacas, ponies, marquee displays, terriers and lurchers, mountgrace gundogs and Diggerland.

There was also line dancing and country and western music.

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