TRADITION lived on in Upper Weardale as people and livestock from home and further afield converged for an annual celebration of agriculture.

The Weardale Show was held at St John’s Chapel for the 147th time yesterday (August 27) and attracted crowds who enjoyed its rural offerings.

Show secretary Joan Warriner said: “It went brilliantly well.

“It was a lovely day, we had lots of visitors, it was sunny and really warm.

“We’ve kept it as a traditional village show.

“We have trade stands but we’re not overrun by them, there’s a farmers’ market tent and craft tent which are well supported, and lots of things people can go and watch.”

Keeping show-goers entertained this year was the customary attendance of animals including cattle, sheep, horses and alpacas.

Reigning supreme in the cattle section was GA and DW Dent’s Digitalis 3rd, a calf born in September 2015.

The dairy shorthorn was shown by ten-year-old Kailum Blenkharn, of Kirkby Stephen.

He said: “The judge said it had more about it than the others.

“She walks carefully and when I tell her to keep going she does.”

Meanwhile a packed programme of events in the main ring provided fun for the family with a falconry display, tug of war, wheelbarrow race and bale-stacking competition.

Mrs Warriner said one of the highlights was the addition of a teddy bear competition in the main ring which attracted about nine contestants for each of the four classes.

The cross country was hailed also a success with an impressive 20 runners taking on a short but challenging route.

Other hits with visitors were a climbing wall, free fall bouncy slide, laser clay shooting and archery for beginners.

Children were treated to a whole host of entertainment from a Mister Twister fun show and a Punch and Judy.

And providing a soundtrack to proceedings was the Stanhope Silver Band.