PONY society members put the foot-and-mouth crisis behind them at their annual spring show this weekend.

The popular event hosted by The Dales Pony Society had to be abandoned last year as the epidemic gripped the region.

But organisers were encouraged by a massive turnout for the show at Barnard Castle, County Durham, on Saturday, when about 120 ponies were brought to compete from throughout the country.

Best in show was stallion Millgate and Baron, from Dartford, Kent.

Show secretary Sue Webster said: "It was something people were really looking forward to with it being the first one since foot-and-mouth.

"A lot of our members were affected by the crisis, and some never got out at all last year."

The society is now looking forward to its annual summer show which will be held on August 3rd, at Barningham, near Barnard Castle