A MILESTONE year for an agricultural show was marked with a special parade of historic machinery - and a Royal visit.

The 150th Ryedale Show today (Tuesday, July 26) produced a souvenir programme mirroring the one from the first annual meeting of the Ryedale and Pickering Lythe Agricultural Association, held at Kirkby-Moorside – as it was then known – on October 3, 1855.

The group was formed by a group of influential gentlemen and tenant farmers, and its aim was to improve the breeding stock in the area, as well as to exhibit the best stock, equipment and poultry.

After cancellations due to war and animal diseases, this year is the 150th show. No shows were held during WWI from 1915 to 1918, or during WWII, with the show being re-introduced in 1946 with record entries.

A special parade of the past, present and future of the show featured in the main ring, with vintage tractors and machinery, as well as popular breeds of livestock from the early days of the show.

The Duchess of Kent arrived at the show at noon, accompanied by her nephew Sit William Worlsey, the Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.

She was presented with a posy by the show presidents’ granddaughter, two-year-old Ella Leckenby, and the show chairman’s granddaughter, four-year-old Ebony Fairburn.

The Duchess admitted she had recently broken her collarbone, and was supported by Sir Worlsey as she was greeted by civic dignitaries before enjoying lunch with presidents Chris and Sheila Leckenby and guests.

Ebony Fairburn said she was glad to meet the Duchess, who gave one of the flowers of the posy back to her as a gift.

Ebony said she had a busy time at the show, taking part in the mounted fancy dress and showing a lamb.

Supreme sheep champion was a shocked Steven Kirby, from Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton, with his shearling ewe Texel.

“I did not expect it at all. I’ve never done so well at Ryedale Show so I’m beyond thrilled. The competition is really strong here - it is a really big thing to do well.

“She has been an absolute star, winning interbreed champion at Cleveland Show and Aldborough and Boroughbridge Show this weekend. But to win here is even better because the other Texels have done very well and are very good animals.”

Interbreed beef champion went to Heather and Jim Marks with their pedigree limousin heifer.

Mrs Marks, from Bishopton, near Darlington, said she was proud her heifer had done so well.

“She has won best limousin, best junior, and interbreed. She is a good example of her breed, she has a strong presence and character.

“We bought her from Jim Bloom, near Scarborough, in April and we hoped she would do well for us at the shows, so I’m delighted she has won today.”

Sam Howarth and his daughter Rosie, of Wilton, near Pickering, picked up interbreed champion dairy.

Miss Howarth said: “She is a Holstein Friesian, five years old and has had three calves – we are really pleased she has done well for us today.”

Mr Howarth said: “We have not had her very long, we bought her in March and will breed from her. Her mother was one of the best-yielding cows in the breed.

“The breed has a good longevity so we can survive in periods when the price of milk is low.”