EXHIBITORS and visitors kept smiling despite torrential rain at a dale agricultural show.

While those attending Stanhope Show, in Weardale, on Saturday received a soaking, Sunday’s visitors enjoyed a day of sunshine.

Show secretary Susan Anderson said: “It’s been brilliant. Even when it was wet people were still in a good mood. It was a full turnout from the cattle and sheep entrants and in all the horse sections as well. People came out to support us and everyone still had a smile on their face which was nice to see.”

Highlights of the event included a display by Titan the Robot, who was a new exhibit for this year, the hotly contested Shetland Grand National and a tug of war competition organised by Weardale Young Farmers.

Other entertainment included Jamie Squibb’s gravity-defying motocross display, Cumberland Wrestling, a falconry exhibition and a show by Dingle Fingle Clown.

Stanhope Silver Band entertained crowds on Saturday following their traditional march through town, while Spennymoor Band played on Sunday.

Click here to see our gallery of pictures from the show.

The only event which had to be cancelled because of the weather was the sulky racing, as it was deemed unsafe.

The usual breed competitions took place for sheep, cattle and horses and there was a small livestock section for poultry, rabbits and dogs.

In the cattle section the W Findlay trophy for the best animal was won by G + JA Sedgewick while the Blue Circle Trophy for champion cow and calf was won by JH Emerson

In the sheep classes the champion Swaledale was exhibited by MW Skidmore, the champion Blue Faced Leicester by I Craig, the champion mule by R Collingwood and champion Texel by T Walton.

Mr Walton also took home the Barnard Castle Auction Mart trophy for best Texel gimmer shearling.

Winners in the industrial tent included Jean Bowes for her home baking, Tony Morrell for his preserves, Neil Pattinson for his wine, George Soppitt for his honey and Christine Warwick for her hand knitting.

The junior classes were won by Daniel Blackie and Emma-May Forbes.

The show also had its largest vintage tractor display to date.

Ms Anderson said: “We’ve had loads of help. Lots of unseen work goes on with the setting up and tidying but we’re very lucky because people are so supportive and loyal to the show.

“We’ve had people coming up to thank us and tell us how good it was.”