A COUNTRY show, scrapped in 2001 because of the foot-and-mouth crisis and called off again last year after heavy rain, made a triumphant return at the weekend.

Organisers of Tockwith Show, near York, believe there was a record crowd on Saturday, with locals supporting the traditional event, despite the clash with the massive Game Fair, at nearby Harewood House.

"We probably had fewer trade stands than we would normally expect, but it was great to see so many people," said spokesman Norman Waller.

"We lost some of the momentum by missing two years but, on the other hand, it seems this weekend's event reminded people what the show is all about.

"Hopefully, we can build from here and go on to bigger and better things next year."

The show, which specialises in working rural crafts, included competitive classes for livestock and produce, as well as arena events such as a falconry display and a parade of vintage farm machinery.