8:43am Monday 8th February 2010
FARMERS upheld an annual tradition yesterday when they competed to see who had the best hay in the dales.
Eastgate Hay Show takes place at the Cross Keys pub in the village, in Weardale, County Durham, and this year 120 farmers took part.
Hay was judged on texture, smell and colour during the event, which also raised more than £1,000 for local charities.
Organiser Paul Collinson said the event started as a wager between two farmers to see who had the best hay, and it had grown to become the world cup of hay shows.
Mr Collinson said: “It started off as a bit of fun and it still is really, just now we have a professional bookmaker here.
“It’s a great social event for all the farmers and the whole community.
“We’ve had a great year this year and we’re pleased everyone has supported it.”
The winner of the old land hay title was James Alderson, of Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, and the seed hay winner was Brian Porter, of Swaledale.
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