CATTLE and sheep classes returned to an agricultural show at the weekend, and helped cement a family tradition which has lasted for well over a century.

It was 134 years ago that the Craig family first became involved with the St John's Chapel Show, in Upper Weardale, County Durham.

Since then, generations of them have gone on to win trophies, mainly for their shorthorn cattle.

At this year's show, it was the turn of 20-year-old Rebecca Craig to carry on the winning ways of the family, from Westgate, Weardale, by being judged champion cattle-handler.

It was the first time the class had been staged at the Weardale Agricultural Society show. Her father, Dennis, had earlier won the trophy for champion shorthorn.

Livestock has been missing from the show for two years following the foot-and-mouth epidemic, which hit several Weardale farmers hard.

Officials were pleased at the number of people who attended Saturday's event, which included the show's first scarecrow competition.

This show was the final appearance by Mavis Humphrey, who has worked tirelessly as a show official, mainly as secretary, for 18 years.

She was also the show's first female president.

Farmer Dennis Craig, a former society president who has attended the show for 50 years, said: "There is little doubt that Mrs Humphrey has been a tower of strength to the show. We are very, very sorry to be losing her.

"She has been an absolute gem."