IT was another record year for the country's oldest agricultural show as thousands of people took in the attractions of the 226th Wolsingham show.

The event was held over the weekend and concludes today at Scotch Isle Park.

With entries up in many sections, some by as much as 100 per cent, and with the kind weather, big crowds were expected and duly arrived.

General secretary Gordon Dobson said the number of visitors far exceeded previous years, when figures have been as high as 40,000.

"Whatever the record is, this year we've broken it," he said. "It's been a great weekend and people seem to have had a great time."

Those who converged on the County Durham town were able to see livestock, horses and ponies, and today sees the return of sheepdog trials which had to be cancelled following the foot- and-mouth outbreak in 2001

There were also more than 100 trade stands, where local businesses could showcase their work.

Organisers were pleased with the way in which traffic was controlled, with the adoption of a one-way system through the showground.

There was however a report of a man being injured in a fight at the show and being taken to hospital.

Results from the show will appear in tomorrow's Northern Echo.

Meanwhile, flower power hit Spennymoor at the weekend as an annual fuchsia show took place.

Up to 300 people visited Durham and Northumberland Fuchsia Society's 24th annual show at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on Saturday and yesterday.

Almost 400 flowers, mostly fuchsias, were on display, and show manager Tony Lawson said it had been a success.

"We've had a very, very good weekend," he said. "People came from other societies and were very impressed."

Mayor of Spennymoor Jackie Piggott also visited.

The North-East champion was Tom Wilkinson, Colin Stapleton won best plant and Ray and Jean O'Brien collected the most points.

Next year will see the show celebrate 25 years.

Mr Lawson said: "Next year we are hoping for something substantial. We are hoping that we have a damn good show because it's our jubilee."

Peterlee Show, in Peterlee, County Durham, was also blessed with marvellous late-summer weather, bringing the crowds out in force.

The show was held on the Cricket Ground, in Helford Road, on Saturday and yesterday and featured attractions for all ages.

These included a fair, dog show, various stalls and procession of bands through the town.

And this year, the show featured a BMX skills competition in which enthusiasts showed off their moves to judges.

Elsewhere, in North Yorkshire an art exhibition featuring work by 29 professional Yorkshire artists opened under a new name.

The Great North Arts Show is taking place at Ripon Cathedral until September 24.

The exhibition, which was previously known as the Ripon Art Festival, is now in its fourth year and organisers say there has already been a great deal of interest in the work.

Each artist has approximately six paintings on display and profits from the show will go towards the Ripon Cathedral Development Fund.

Treasurer David Page said the new name gave the exhibition greater scope and was not as restrictive.

The show runs alongside the Ripon International Festival, which also began on Saturday.

He said: "The international festival is more about the music side of things and it's good that we have a very high standard of music alongside a high standard of art.

"The money we raise will have a particular emphasis on going towards the music and choral traditions of the cathedral.

"We feel it is very important that this is maintained. Ripon is one of only two choral schools in the north of England.

"It's rather nice that the arts side is supporting the music side."