THOUSANDS of people were at one of the region's most popular museums on Saturday for a ploughing competition.

Ploughmen from all over the country were at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, in County Durham, for the annual contest.

It is part of the museum's programme recreating agricultural life from 1913.

Head of historic operations Jane Gibson said: "It was a an excellent competition and the men fought hard.

"There was a lot of rivalry between them. They all know each other because they go to contests all over the country.

"But there is no love lost on the ploughing field and they take no prisoners. It gets quite fierce and it was a bit nail biting towards the end.

"They remained friends though, and all enjoyed a ploughman's lunch, courtesy of Ross's Pickles, in our 1913 pub, where lots of real ale was supped afterwards."

Beamish stockman Jim Elliott, 43, of Home Farm, Beamish, came first in the Ploughing High Cut Class and Best in Show Class.

He has vowed to retire from competition at the end of the season.

Ploughing High Cut Class

1. Jim Elliott, with Prince and Lion.

2. Lee Harrison, with Leo and Archie.

3. Peter Brassett, with Bonnie and Clyde.

4. Roy Prescott, with Don and David.

Ploughing General Purpose Class

1. Paul Webster, with Archie and Court.

2. Warwick Romans, with Jock and Sandy.

3. Alan and William Lees, with Patrick and Gilbert.Agricultural Turnout Class

1. Jeff Cowen, with Podger pulling an Essex boat wagon.

2. David Hesketh, with Prince pulling a bowed rulley.

3. Johnny Owens, with Jack pulling a beast cart.

Decorated Horse Class

1. Stuart Graham, with Dick.

2. David Hesketh, with Prince.

3. Steve Wilson, with Henry.

Best in Show

Jim Elliot.