THOUSANDS of families enjoyed England's oldest agricultural show at the weekend.

Wolsingham's 224th annual show offered a more diverse programme than ever, which more than lived up to expectations for all ages and tastes.

Yesterday was said to be one of the show's most successful for many years as hundreds of people streamed on to the County Durham showground to watch the entertainment and visit stands.

Early showers had threatened to dampen the spirits when the three-day event opened on Saturday, but the sun got out and rewarded the 12,000 people who attended.

General secretary Gordon Dobson said: "The livestock classes, particularly feather and fur, were very well supported and strong participation has made the show.

"This is the second year on a site we own, which means we are able to keep the land free of livestock for 28 days either side of the show, and meet Defra regulations to host livestock classes.

"As our reputation grows and we add new attractions, we are appealing to people further afield, and more age groups."

The show also offered a valuable forum for Weardale businesses to promote themselves at a time when the dale is looking to bounce back after a series of blows to the economy.

Former cement worker Paul Anderson started selling quad bikes in Wolsingham after the closure of LaFarge UK's Eastgate site.

He said: "Being made redundant was the push I needed to start a business based on my hobby, and the show has been an ideal way to drum up business because it attracts so many families."

The show continues today with greyhound and harness racing.