THOUSANDS of people turned out to one of the region's oldest agricultural shows at the weekend.

Organisers of Stanhope Show, in Weardale, said the sunshine ensured a bumper attendance.

Mike Robson, general secretary at the show, said that at least 10,000 people visited each day.

He said: "I would probably say it has been a record year, but I cannot say for definite until I have seen the final figure. It's certainly been a bumper year.''

One of the highlights of the show was the Motorcycle Mad Men who kept the crowds entertained with their daring stunts.

Mr Robson said: "The feedback I have received from the public is that they have been impressed that there has been something happening in the centre ring virtually all the time.

"The Motorcycle Mad Men have come here at the last minute to help us and I really think they have been a tremendous attraction.

"Ridgeside Falconry are also good friends of Stanhope Show and have put on a superb display along with Stanhope Silver Band and Horden Brass Band.

"One of the strengths of the show is that we have a good team of section secretaries who work really hard to make things go smoothly.''

* See tomorrow's newspaper for show results.