TRACTORS were at the ready to pull vehicles through the mud as rain threatened to put a dampener on a County Durham show.

But the show went on at Holme Farm, in Bowes, despite torrential downpours - described by organisers as “drizzle” - throughout Saturday, with a strong entry in all classes.

Bowes Show secretary Andrew Bracewell said: “We’ve just about managed despite the weather. The entries overall have been very good.

“It’s a traditional dales show for the village and we’ve been doing a lot of workshops with the children to give them opportunities to do well. The quality has been very good, particularly the children’s sections.”

The show field turned into a mud bath as people turned out to compete in the traditional classes, which included sheep, cattle, horses, donkeys and driving.

There was also a bigger vintage tractor and antique farm machinery section, with a new trophy for the tractor championship.

The inaugural trophy went to Frank Williams, from Blackpool, with his Grey Ferguson P3.

Mr Williams, who worked on Holme Farm as a youth, travelled to the show with his granddaughter Georgia Dugdale.

The overall sheep championship was won by R Hutchinson & son, who also won the Swaledale championship. The local champion was HC Jewitt, who won the terminal breed championship.

The cattle championship was won by Lawson and Wilkinson, with victories in every class.

Meanwhile Teesdale’s best bakers, flower arrangers and gardeners were out in force to compete in the industrial tent.

Those sheltering from the rain were treated to displays of cakes, biscuits, vegetables, flower arrangements and crafts.

A particular strong children’s section was fiercely contested with classes for decorated wellies, edible creatures and other arts and crafts.

Junior trophy winners included Elliott Hutchinson, Elliott Rigg, Aidan Marmont, Sophie Watson and Emily Finn.

Margaret Cooper, who organises the industrial sections, said: “The children’s section is just tremendous. We’ve been holding workshops for children and as a result we seem to have more taking part and more local people which is nice.”

Show organisers thanked landowner Gilbert Guy for allowing the show to take place at Holme Farm.

Mr Bracewell added: “He generously lets us use the land and if he hadn’t it wouldn’t take place.”