THE annual Borrowby Show was largely spared the downpours that hit less fortunate showgrounds this week and benefited from a new improved layout.

The 67th Borrowby Show and Gymkhana had an increased number of sheep entries after last year’s plea from chairman Sandy Kidson to bring back a stronger agricultural element to balance the popular horse sections.

Mr Kidson said: “I don’t know how we have done for numbers yet but it seems as though we have had a good day.

“We altered the showground layout to keep the trade stands all together and make it easier for people to get round the entire ground.

“We have also introduced a vintage tractor and farming history section which was very popular. We had lots of tractors from the 1940s and up to the present day. Sheep classes were up so hopefully that is getting more popular too.”

Among the cattle winners on the day, seven-year-old Matthew Bentley collected an award for reserve interbreed champion and young handler with his bullock.

His father Craig Bentley, from Kepwick, said: “It has been a very good day, we won interbreed champion trophy with our limousin heifer too so we are very pleased.

“We like to support our local show, we couldn’t get any nearer to this one and it is important to keep the smaller shows going.”