A RURAL show on the moors above Whitby enjoyed an “excellent” turnout as glorious sun brought out visitors in force.

Egton Show saw classes for livestock, craft displays, sheepdog trials, show jumping and entertainment in the main ring.

Although it was too early to estimate the number of visitors through the gate, organisers said it had been a good turn-out. Treasurer Joan Jackson said: “It’s been an excellent turnout. I think the sunshine has brought people out.”

Sisters Millie Moore, nine, Maisie Moore, six, and Ava Moore, four, took part in the junior handler classes with their grandfather’s sheep, Sheepie, Baz and Belinda. The girls, from Somerset, were visiting the farm of their grandfather, Sid Moore, from Newton-le-Willows near Bedale and had got their own sheep ready for the show by washing and grooming them in advance.

Mr Moore said: “They had a couple of days preparing for this at home, washing them and brushing them. The littlest one has been walking him around everywhere.”

Farmer Michael Peirson, from Sleights, won a trophy with his champion Teeswater. He has been breeding Teeswater sheep for nearly 60 years, starting when he was a boy.

Another trophy winner was Reece Fenton, 15 and his grandfather John Fozzard from Whitley Bridge near Selby.

Stephen Kirby, from Ainderby Steeple near Northallerton clocked up another trophy for his Texel sheep, with his 13th champion in his 13th show this year.

In the ferret tent, they saw a high number of competitors. One owner, Poidy Boyle, won with a ferret, Albert, which he had found on Redcar beach as a thin stray. He nursed the ferret back to health and continued to look after it, winning the title “best white”.

General secretary Daphne Jackson said: “It’s a brilliant show. It’s been a lovely day. When the sun is shining we’re all happy.”