THOUSANDS of families travelled to Weardale at the weekend to enjoy England's oldest agricultural show.

Wolsingham's 224th annual show offered a more diverse programme than ever, which more than lived up to expectations for all ages and tastes.

Sunday was said to be one of the show's most successful for many years as hoards of people streamed on to the showground to watch the entertainment and visit trade stands.

Early showers had threatened to dampen the spirits when the three-day event opened on Saturday but the sun got out and rewarded the staggering 12,000 people who did attend.

General secretary Gordon Dobson said: "I've been secretary since 1990 and this year has had one of the best programmes ever.

"The livestock classes, particularly feather and fur, were very well supported and strong participation has made the show.

"This is the second year on a site we own, which means we're able to keep the land free of livestock for 28 days either side of the show and meet Defra regulations to host livestock classes."

Local exhibitors fairing well included: Michael Reed, Frosterley (best beef heifer up to 350kg); W Reed and Sons (best North of England mule sheep); Trevor Walton, of Oakenshaw (one second and two third placings with his Texel sheep); Ian Collinson, of Eastgate (overall all-breeds sheep champion) and Bill Wearmouth, also Eastgate (best Blue Faced Leicester).

Mr Dobson added: "Because of the warm summer we've had the horticultural tent was a little down, but still the standard was brilliant.

"As our reputation grows and we add new attractions we are appealing to people further afield and more age groups."

The show also offered a valuable forum for Weardale businesses to promote themselves at a time when the dale is looking to bounce back after a series of blows to the economy.

Former Blue Circle cement worker Paul Anderson started selling quad bikes in Wolsingham after the closure of LaFarge UK's Eastgate site.

He said: "Being made redundant was the push I needed to start a business based on my hobby and the show has been an ideal way to drum up business because it attracts so many families."

The show ended with greyhound and harness racing on Monday