ONE of the region’s last agricultural shows of the season this weekend saw the spotlight shine on Swaledale sheep.

Langdon Beck Show, in Upper Teesdale, returned on Saturday with the usual host of local exhibitors and noted breeders from about a 50-mile radius who battled it out for titles with their prized livestock.

Show secretary Nicola Foster said: “Despite the wind and though it was not the warmest of days, we had a very good day.

“Numbers were slightly down, but the quality of Swaledale Sheep made up for it.”

Robert Hutchinson, of Valley Farm, Bowes, secured supreme champion for the first time with a ewe along with the open female and open champion titles.

It marked the ewe's fourth overall win in two years.

Mr Hutchinson said: "She's true to character, a nice sheep with good colour and good legs."

He will receive £250 and the crowned ewe will be painted by local artist Stuart Short.

Mr Short, of Greta Bridge, near Barnard Castle, painted a portrait of the winning sheep and presented the framed piece to the owner for the first time last year.

His design can now be seen on merchandise such as mugs which he was displaying alongside other works at the show.

“My family is from this area originally and I wanted to support this show, being a small and traditional one,” said Mr Short.

MW Skidmore Ltd, of Wolfcleugh Farm, Rookhope, took reserve champion with a tup shearling having already secured open male.

TW Hutchinson, of Bail Hill, Forest in Teesdale, won local male, local female and local champion.

Young handler was won by Jack Hutchinson while the champion pair of fat lambs went to LC and D Wearmouth.

And in the industrial tent home produce including vegetables and cakes plus flowers and photographs were pitched against each other for judging.

The show, at the Langdon Beck Hotel, has a long history but was re-established in 2000 and has continued every year but one, due to foot and mouth disease in 2001.