THE legacy of dales farmer Arnold Jopling lives on this weekend at the sheep show he helped found 18 years ago.

For the first time a trophy for the winner of the Blue-faced Leicesters classes will be presented at the show being held in the Weardale village of Eastgate on Saturday.

It has been donated by Mr Jopling's widow, Gladys, and her family.

Mr Jopling, who died last year only days before last year's show following a long illness, was the first show president.

The new president, fellow farmer and lifelong friend, Bill Wearmouth, said at his funeral: "Arnold was unique, a legend in his own lifetime, the likes of which may never be seen again in this dale."

Show secretary Paul Collinson said yesterday: "We are proud that Arnold Jopling's memory will be preserved at a show he dedicated so much of the last years of his life to, and we are grateful for the continuing support his family is giving to the show."

Mr Collinson said nearly 50 entries had been received for this year's show - an increase on last year's event, which was held in the aftermath of the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

Like last year, officials of the Department of the Environment For Rural Affairs (Defra) would be monitoring the event, he said.

A six-day restriction on the movement of sheep and cattle is still in force.