THE continuing renaissance of all that's homemade and home-grown was in evidence at one of the most fiercely traditional rural shows on the calendar.

For the second year in succession at the Rosedale Show, in the heart of the North York Moors, there were record entries in the industrial classes, forcing judges to decide between 1,600 creations ranging from pin cushions to liqueurs.

When judging was completed, the emergence of the sun on the ampitheatre-like showground at Rosedale Abbey and the melodies of the 20-strong Malton White Star Band did not hold back many of the 4,500 visitors from surging in to the industrial marquee to admire the array of creativity.

The show's president, Diane Hughes, a former headteacher of Rosedale Abbey School, said the event's importance to the area was reflected in the competitiveness of the classes.

She said: "As a teacher, I love the children's classes.

"We worked so hard so that every child had something in the show."

While Jimmy Fawcett, of Sand Hutton, near York, triumphed in the commercial cattle section with his 11-month-old pure limousin steer, Steven Kirby, of Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton scored his fifth interbreed championship of the season with a home-bred shearling ewe.

Ahead of helping judge the fancy dress on horseback contest, Thirsk and Malton MP Anne McIntosh paid tribute to the efforts of the show's organisers.

She said: "This sums up rural life in North Yorkshire and shows the confidence there is in the future of farming in the area."