SUNNY weather brought racing fans in droves to the Middleham stables open day on Good Friday.

An estimated 7,000 visitors flocked to tour the 16 yards which opened their doors for the day and visit the country fair and other attractions.

Event spokeswoman Marcia Kennedy said about 5,000 adults and up to 2,000 children had attended the day, making it possibly the most successful ever.

"The people I spoke to had come from all over the place - South Yorkshire, Humberside, the Scottish borders, and everyone seemed to be having a good time," she said.

The weather had certainly been a major factor but she also suspected people were simply glad to be out and about in the dales after last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak.

"It was such a positive feeling that people could get back out into the countryside in such lovely, sunny weather.

"It has been significantly busy and I'm sure the weather has made a difference,'' added Ms Kennedy.

Some people travelling from the south were held up by a serious accident on the A1 at Boroughbridge and there were some late arrivals. However, the longer opening hours of most stables meant they still had time to make the most of the trip.

Last year's Grand National winner, Red Marauder, was one of the stars of the event at George Moore's stables.

Mr Moore said the day had given the countryside a kick start after a year devastated by foot-and-mouth.

"We must have had thousands of people through out gates," he said. "Red Marauder has been a real star, with crowds four deep outside his box all day."

As well as local shops, cafes and pubs, other attractions included a country fair, a farrier's workshop and art exhibitions with an equestrian theme.

The event also had knock-on benefits for nearby villages and the town of Leyburn, where the tourist information centre reported a particularly busy day.

Last year's Middleham open day was one of the first casualties of the FMD outbreak and began a season of cancelled shows and events