THE farming community received a welcome boost on Saturday when large crowds flocked to the Eggleston Show.

The agricultural event was hit last year because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

This year, movement restrictions placed on livestock by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) meant the show could not feature sheep, cattle or goats.

But the loss of those classes had no effect on the enthusiasm of the crowds, who saw the horse classes strongly attended, as well as a spectacular falconry display.

Show chairman Geoffrey Wilson said: "It seemed to go really well, bearing in mind we had a total change around because of the Defra rules.

"It was cancelled last year because of foot-and-mouth, so it was just good to have a show again, and hopefully we'll be back next year with cattle and sheep. The general public really supported it.