ONE of the first agricultural shows of the year takes place this weekend.

The Middleton-in-Teesdale Spring Show will be held in the car park and land at the High Force Hotel, on Saturday.

The show features exclusively Swaledale sheep and casting a critical eye over the entries will be judges Thomas Robinson, from Clitheroe, Lancashire, and James Beckwith, from Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.

Show secretary Hannah Stephenson said there would be plenty for people to see.

“Classes include baby lambs that were born this year, gimmer hogs, ewes, tup hogs, tup shearlings and older tops.

“There will also be various classes with pairs, groups of three and combinations.”

Ms Stephenson said there was also a strong social side to the show, which offered the rural community the chance to get together earlier in the year.

“The show is something a bit different, held earlier in the year before hay time.”

Most entries come from upper Teesdale farms, although some come from further afield, including this year, from Lancashire.

Judging starts at 11am and visitors are welcome to attend.