THOUSANDS of people and hundreds of exhibitors made Sedgefield Show one of the most successful in its 163 year history.

Organisers felt Saturday’s combination of traditional agricultural and horticultural classes with family fun and trade stalls offered something for everyone.

New attractions included donkeys and Clydesdale horses, period costume side saddle riding and gun dog displays and livestock and horse sections, fur and feather, vintage tractors, home produce and handicrafts attracted exhibitors from near and far.

Chairman Ian Mason said: “It was fantastic, we set out to give families a good-value, enjoyable day out and I’d say we achieved that. The atmosphere was good.”

A limousin cross, exhibited by RAD Cattle Services, was the cattle supreme champion and JL Marks had reserve champion with a pedigree limousin.

S Blythman’s texels were named sheep champion and reserve and the best goat in show went to P Mounter, with P Newton in reserve.

Phil Goldsborough, of Middleton St George, won four horticulture trophies on his show debut.

The horse supreme championship went to S Wallace, F Johnson & L Richmond won reserve and GAD Burton had the champion donkey.

The dog show featured companion and open competitions, including a Crufts qualifier. Two-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog Bunny won best in show.

Owner Lacey Abbott-Brown, of Whitby, said: “She’s a lovely pet and a bundle of fun, her kennel name is Dream Come True and she really is today.”

Cooks and crafters put on a stunning display in the home and handicraft tent where winners included M Fordham (fruit cake), C Fitzsimons (cakes and preserves) and M Howes (handicrafts).

Show secretary Donna Basham said: “We appreciate the small number of volunteers who do a lot of work. The young farmers helped this year and it would be nice if more young people got involved to take the burden off some of the older members in the future.”