ORGANISERS of the 151st annual Sedgefield Show were delighted at its success after fears it would be a wash-out.

Torrential rain earlier in the week prompted fears that the Sedgefield and District Agricultural and Horticultural Society may cancel the event.

But brilliant sunshine on Saturday ensured that the hundreds of people who turned out to enjoy activities on the Robert Brown showfield had a wonderful time.

General secretary Brian Woodward said: "We were very pleased with the show overall. It was well attended by visitors and competitors who all seemed to enjoy themselves.

"It was a little worrying early in the week when the heavy rain kept falling but we couldn't have asked for a better day weather-wise.

"The pony sections were particularly good, the only disappointment was turn-out for the hunters classes but we're looking forward to next year when hopefully that will improve."

A varied programme included dog agility and obedience contests, handicrafts and horticultural displays, feather and fur classes and a vintage tractor exhibition.

Among the highlights were the well attended horse and pony classes in the agricultural section.

The main winners included:

Hunters: Captain Ramsden Challenge Cup, George Sunter; Morrison Perpetual Challenge Cup, Mrs Hayton; Pony breeding: RS Tate Challenge Cup, Mrs RK McKenzie; Riding ponies: Bog Hall Trophy, Rachael Watson; Tally-Ho Trophy, Robyn Chilton; Fieldmaster Trophy, A Carr; Erica Williams, J Pinkney; Presidents prize, Y K Vincent; Mountain and Moorland ponies: Kell Trophy, Linda Wallace; Howe Trophy, Anne Atkinson; Welsh ponies: Craven Championship Salver, JO Barr, Brierdene Challenge Trophy, NT Callender; Boston Challenge Trophy, JO Barr; Dales ponies: JW Thompson Trophy, D Urwin; Shetland ponies: Walker Hall Associates Cup, RM & J Headen, Dorothy Arthur Challenge Cup, JD Kay; Robson Tankard, P Dawson, WW Fishburn Classic, J Pinkney, Sandbeck Chunky Trophy, Karen Nixon, Horse drawn turn-outs: Wheatley Wilson Cup, Fiona Dove.

Farm Produce: Young Farmers Club Cup, Philip Raw, Armstrong Richardson Cup, R&S Crozier.

Trade stand: Denis Hart Trophy, Kidhugs of Darlington.

* Detailed results will be printed in the Darlington and Stockton Times on Friday.