BEAUTIFUL weather and record number of entries in some classes typified what was probably one of the most high profile Great Yorkshire Show events in recent years.

This year’s successful three-day event was brought to an end on Thursday with its director, Bill Cowling handing over the reins of England’s premier agricultural shows to his successor, after ten years at its helm.

The “crook of office” was officially handed over at the close of today’s (Thursday, July 16) show to the new director, Charles Mills, who farms at Appleton Roebuck, North Yorkshire.

Mr Mills has been a member of the society’s governing body since 2002 and has held a number of roles within the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which runs the show.

Mr Cowling said: “There’s an element of sadness that I’m giving up; when you have done something for ten years that you really enjoy, it’s inevitable.

“But I set out to do it for five years and done it for ten years.”

“I never dreamed I would be showing Her Majesty the Queen around this show. That was a great moment. Seeing the show maintain its agricultural credentials and become a leading part of the agricultural show scene.

“I hope we’re providing people with the sort of day out they would like whether they’re farmers or not. The people who buy the food are becoming more aware of the provenance of food and supporting British farmers. We’ve still got a long way to go but it’s a positive.

“Charles Mills will be a superb show director."

This year’s Great Yorkshire Show opened on Tuesday (July 14) with a high-profile visit from its patron, the Prince of Wales, who was accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall.

The royal couple enjoyed a relatively lengthy, three hour visit and appeared to be enjoying themselves, as Camilla decided against using one of the showground’s golf buggies in order to take a walk around the 250-acre site, meeting exhibitors, visitors and staff and trying out products.

The second day saw Blue Peter film from Great Yorkshire Show and The One Show upped sticks from its usual studio to broadcast live from the event, with Matt Baker and Alex Jones filming from a set created in front of the main ring.