Triumphant return for Great Show

The North's showpiece agricultural event, which made a spectacular return after the misery of foot-and-mouth disease last year, drew a total of 125,793 people over three days this week.

Despite intensive bio-security precautions across the showground and ever-changing weather, the 144th annual spectacular was hailed as one of the best ever.

Delighted organisers said the Harrogate crowd was the largest since 1983 and was more than 5,000 up on the last show, which was held two years ago.

Highlights of the 2002 show included a visit by the Duke of York and a thrilling end to the Cock O' The North showjumping contest, which saw Yorkshireman John Whitaker take the trophy.

Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said: "We're absolutely delighted with the figures."

He said the public support throughout the week had been overwhelming.

"There have been fewer animals of course, which is sad, but it has been a chance for the farming community to get together again and it's been a great atmosphere.

"They didn't have this opportunity last year and the show has provided a real hope for the future for them."

Many farmers had seen foot-and-mouth skirt their farms and had coped with stringent movement restrictions and bio-security measures to attend.

The common message from each was that the show was the only opportunity they had to see many of their friends each year. It had been sorely missed.

Though the atmosphere was good all around the ground, the spectre of foot-and-mouth still loomed large in some cattle sheds which were empty because of its impact.

However, there were still about 8,500 horses, cows, sheep and pigs, all carefully prepared to competitive standards.

The new-look fashion and art pavilion proved to be a major attraction, with shows sponsored by Marks and Spencer. It was the base for a live broadcast of Radio Four's Woman's Hour on Thursday, presented by Jenni Murray.