IF some have questioned the validity of agricultural shows in recent years, they will surely have something to ponder in the attendance figures for last week's Great Yorkshire Show.

Despite the long shadow of last year's foot-and-mouth debacle, the continuing agricultural depression and the decidedly mixed weather, more people came to the three-day event than for many a year. In terms of the show's modern era, it represents a record.

Why should that be? Firstly, farmers themselves felt the need to attend the great gathering. Many of them endured weeks and even months of virtual isolation as the hatches were battened down against the disease. Last week was a welcome opportunity to get off the farm, hopefully with some stock, exhibit some pride and enjoy some crack. Secondly, the non-farming community felt an equally strong need to show farmers support. For every townie indifferent to the fate of farmers, there is a rural sympathiser keen to show it cares about those who tend the landscape as well as their stock and crops.

For the Yorkshire Agricultural Society's new chief executive, Nigel Pulling, it was a great start. He will be looking forward to next year, whilst no doubt thinking of, and grateful for, the great work put in by his predecessor, Robin Keigwin, who, had he been alive to witness the crowds pouring on to the showground last week, would have been the proudest man there. The most moving and poignant event on the showground was surely the dedication of the bench to his memory.