THOUSANDS of people attended an event to celebrate rural crafts and livestock over the weekend.

The second Countryside Live, held at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, combined cattle and sheep classes with demonstrations of country skills such as barrel-making and dry stone walling.

The crowds also watched cookery demonstrations, and visited dozens of stands selling Yorkshire fare and Christmas gifts.

Bill Cowling, chairman of the Countryside Live committee, said more than 7,000 people turned up to the "mini Yorkshire Show".

He said: "It's been a fantastic event.

"The atmosphere has been tremendous and we really have had both quality and quantity across the livestock classes.

"We have established a firm foundation for the event, which I am sure will continue to go from strength to strength."

For the first time, a championship poultry show was held, attracting 832 entries.

Best in show went to Peter Watkinson, of Preston.

Anl award was made to Bert Verity, of the Northern Counties Livestock Society, to mark his 40-year contribution as a member of its committee.

Mr Verity, from the Harrogate area, has shown commercial beef cattle for many years at the Great Yorkshire Show.

He received a crystal decanter presented by the Countess of Halifax.

Nikki Shepherd, of Tadcaster, won the amateur chef award and the professional chef award was won by Nigel Robinson, of Harrogate.