YEARS of preparation has seen hundreds of members of rural communities from across the North-East come together to celebrate country life at a historic show.

Thousands of visitors were attracted to the 157th annual Danby Show hosted near to the villages of Castleton and Danby, on the North York Moors, which offered a backdrop of purple heather-clad hills for the event.

Rain held off from showering the show for the third year running as groomed livestock, show ponies and pristine vegetables were put on display outdoors and in marquee tents.

Forty-three sections spanning beef cattle, 11 breeds of sheep, countryside-inspired artwork and horticulture were all judged throughout the event, organised by members of the Danby Agricultural Association.

Mark Thompson, who was visiting the show with his family for the first time from Middlesbrough, said: “It’s been a really great family day out for the summer holidays, but it’s just a shame it’s our first time here.

“We don’t know much about farming or agriculture or this sort of thing, but it’s been great to be a part of it and for the kids to see all these animals.

“There’s plenty to do so we’ll definitely be back next year because it’s been really fantastic and the kids have loved it.”

A collection of vintage farming machinery and tractors were also on display for visitors, alongside an array of stalls and tents managed by entrepreneurs from across the region selling their wares.