A VILLAGE agricultural show hopes to return to its former glories after taking formative steps over the weekend.

Organisers hope to improve the lot of the Lanchester Show, in County Durham, one of the smaller events in the region’s country calendar, which has been beset by problems in recent years.

This culminated in the show having to transfer to Streatlam Park in Barnard Castle, due to extremely heavy rainfall at the traditional venue, at Newhouses Farm, Lanchester, in 2012.

The weather still posed problems this year as today’s (Sunday July 5) scheduled heavy horse events had to be cancelled because of difficulty getting onto site due to the soggy field conditions caused by overnight downpours.

Otherwise, show secretary Charlotte Miller was pleased with the outcome, as the rain held off during the day.

“It was devastating that we couldn’t get the heavy horses to the field, but apart from that, the rest of the show has gone grand.”

She said a highlight was the supreme in-hand horse section, won by show stalwart Sharon Welford, with her impeccable Dales mere Leadgate Mystique.

“She’s been a strong supporter of the show and used to be a committee member, so we were pleased to see her doing so well.”

It is hoped that more interest can be generated both locally and among the wider farming community in coming years.

“We would like to see the agricultural side built up and that’s an area we’re working on, along with getting more local participation,” added Miss Miller.

Local children were encouraged to attend today’s show with their families after a competition was run in conjunction with schools in the area.

The aim is to make the first Sunday in July synonymous with the Lanchester Show in years to come.

Further information is available via lanchesteragriculturalsociety.com, the show website.