THREATENING weather failed to deter 10,000 people from enjoying this year's Cleveland Show.

Saturday's event at Stewart's Park, Middlesbrough, had more on show than just animals, birds, horticulture and local produce.

Hundreds of people crowded round the main ring to watch motorbike stunts and terrier racing, and children queued through the day to test their nerve on the Army's "death slide" and assault course.

There were fire safety demonstrations by Cleveland Fire Brigade, steel band performances by Abingdon Primary School, in Middlesbrough, along with trade and charity stands.

Farm machinery was on show, an exhibition by the Teesside Model Boat Club and the fairground rides, horse classes and quad bike racing proved popular.

Entries in many sections were up on last year, including rabbits, pigeons and poultry.

The only disappointment was the cattle section.

Entrant Gordon Brooks, from Northallerton, who won the prize for the best Aberdeen Angus, said: "They work very hard at the Cleveland Show and it is a shame more breeders are not supporting it."

Sheep farmer Arthur Carter, from Farndale, said he thought it was unlikely 2001's foot-and-mouth crisis was still affecting entries.

Brian Perry, secretary of the goats section, said the standard of entries for milkers had been exceptional this year.

The dog section, which faced dwindling numbers last year due to outbreaks of kennel cough, had 100 more entrants.

The cat section made a welcome return after an absence last year and proved popular with the public.

Seven rescued ferrets, owned by Lillian Shepherd, who keeps 15 at her Guisborough home, won prizes in the popular section.

The horticulture, cactus, honey and handicraft sections were also well supported.

Show secretary Margaret Dale said: "It was a most enjoyable day. We were delighted with the turnout, especially as the weather was not very good."