SEASONED competitors joined first time hopefuls at one of County Durham's oldest agricultural shows.

Hundreds of farming and countryside lovers flocked to Bowes Village, near Barnard Castle, for the 125th Bowes Agricultural Show on Saturday.

Among the many highlights of the day was when former Horse of the Year, Merrigan, an 18-year-old homebred skewbald, came out of retirement to win the in hand and ridden 15 to 19 years veteran classes.

The horse, which belongs to Clare Merrigan, from Barnard Castle, was later named the local veteran champion - an award that can be added to a long list of accolades, including Horse of the Year in 2003 and first prize at the Royal International Horse Show, at Hickstead.

Competing for the first time, meanwhile, was Alison Mounter, from Barnard Castle, who came fourth in the family horse class on 15-yearold cobb, Tish. Mrs Mounter started riding two years ago with her son, Steven, 14, who has learning disabilities, and is involved with the Riding for the Disabled Association.

"I enjoyed every minute of the show, " said Mrs Mounter, 46. "It was wonderful to have Steven and the rest of my family supporting me."

The Bowes Agricultural Show boasts one of the largest equestrian sections in the North, as well as showcasing cattle, sheep, dogs, horticulture, home produce and crafts from across the region. There was also food and trade stalls, trail races and children's entertainment, including a new junior jungle, part-funded by Teesdale Area Action Partnership