A RECORD number of entries were attracted to this year’s Ryedale Show, with more competitors drawn from further afield than ever before.

The 148th Ryedale Show, held at Welburn Park, near Kirkbymoorside enjoyed near perfect weather conditions today (Tuesday, July 29).

Classes and entertainments were spread across eight rings at the showground.

The show has been expanding over recent years to meet demand, with competitors coming from as far afield as Scotland.

They included Andrew Tooze, who farms at Carnwath in Lanarkshire, whose Suffolk sheep won reserve champion.

There was an increase in the numbers of rare breeds being shown such as Boreray sheep, which originate from a rocky island off the Western coast of Scotland. There are only 300 left in the world and with being an ancient breed their genetics are of great interest to agricultural science in developing resistance to disease.

Lyn Arrowsmith, who breeds rare sheep, cattle and pigs at her farm in Raskelf, near Easingwold, said: “They’re rarer than the giant panda.

"The genetics of these sheep is very important; they have so many different types of immunity than commercial sheep do.

"They’re completely feral; they need hardly any extra feed. When you see them on the Scottish island they’re just grazing on these sheer cliffs.”

Ryedale and Malton MP Anne McIntosh, who attended the show, said: “It’s interesting to see how many families are here. That is very positive for the future of farming in Ryedale. We will have the next generation coming through, despite all the challenges.

“It’s a real traditional country show. I wanted to pay tribute to all the organisers, they have to organise all the judging and other the other elements of the show during what is a very busy time during the farming calendar.”