FAMILIES and exhibitors turned out in force at the weekend to make this year's Great Aycliffe Show one of the best yet.

Every corner of the showground, near the Oakleaf Leisure Centre, Newton Aycliffe, had something different to offer visitors of all ages and interests.

For the adventurous, there was rock-climbing, go-karting and even the chance to land a Merlin helicopter on a ship's flight deck - courtesy of a Royal Navy simulator.

The arena staged a host of acts including aerobatics, motorbike and jeep stunts, a rodeo display and comic shows for visitors happy to watch from the sidelines.

A Punch and Judy show and music from Aycliffe and Brancepeth Band, The Royal British Legion Pipe and Drums and 102 Battalion Reme also provided entertainment.

Glorious sunshine helped to make Saturday one of the most successful days in the show's 22-year history, and even yesterday's early rain failed to dampen spirits.

Co-organiser Marie Robinson said: "We think Saturday was one of the best attended days ever, and although people were a little slower to arrive on Sunday, it was a brilliant day, too.

"The show is growing. When I started 13 years ago, there were three marquees compared to 11 this year, and we are attracting a better range of trade stands and stalls. The fur marquee, introduced in 1998, was bigger than ever because of its huge success last year.

"The judges said the handicraft exhibitions were of a very high standard and there were over 500 entries."

Proceeds from the programme sales will be donated to the Mayor of Great Aycliffe, Councillor Malcolm Iveson's charity campaign to buy insulin infusion pumps for the children's unit at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

Main trophy winners:

Home produce: Mrs C A Tennant; Craft: Mrs S Facinelli; Hand knitting: Mrs M Cutting; Home-made wine: Mr K W Tennant; Wood section: Mr G Allen; Amateur photography: Mr M Brown; Art: Mr G Westgarth; Schoolchildren's section: Alex Lovejoy; Five-a-side: Juniors - Heighington Rangers, Intermediate main - Aycliffe Black Cats, Intermediate plate - Heighington FC, Senior main - Dream Team, Senior plate - The Green, Spennymoor; Whippet racing: No limit - Micky Whizz (Peter Marley); 40lb - Pip's Pride (Sue Smithson); 36lb - Shine Arthur (Adam Revill); Veteran - Blue Goblin (Garry and Denise Bailey); Puppy - Waterford (Harry Boyd); Yearling - Girl Power (Joyce Slater); Top dog - Viv's Merlin (Don Syson); Top bitch - Hot House (Jimmy Reynolds).