Kit Alderson, of Scorton, with Ayrshire champion Atley Hill Centurion Pamela at Stokesley Show on Saturday, September 23

PERFECTLY preened animals made their way into the ring, with owners giving them one last brush down before showing them to the judges – desperate to reign victorious at one of the last country shows of the calendar.

On what was a glorious September day at Stokesley showground, Roseberry Topping provided the perfect backdrop for one of the North’s largest one-day agricultural shows. But recent rainfall had taken its toll on the field, with tractors poised to tug out numerous stall wagons sitting inches-deep in the mud.

Crowds were estimated to be similar to the 25,000 recorded last year, and Janette Hugill, show secretary, said entries were strong with around 223 new exhibitors.

She said: “This year the sheep entries are up, the cattle look very good and so do produce and handicrafts.

“The show has something for everyone as we offer traditional events as well as trying to bring something new.”

There were classes for livestock, produce, crafts and horses, as well as show jumping and a dog show.

This year welcomed exciting performances from Jason Smyth Adrenaline Tour team who put on a motorbike and quad stunt show, and lumberjack sports team the Mid-Wales Axemen.

There was a special performance from members of the National Horse Driving Association, who are celebrating their diamond anniversary, as competitors rode in gleaming regal carriages.

The Alderson family, who run Atley Hill Raw Milk, triumphed with their Ayrshire cow named Pamela who won reserve interbreed champion following success at last month’s Wensleydale show.

They are third generation farmers who sell milk from their farm, near Scorton, produced by a 60-strong pedigree herd of Holstein and Ayrshire cows.

Dave the Teeswater tup travelled to Stokesley following last week’s win at Westmorland Show where he was congratulated by Prince Charles. Owners G&K Horner, from Whitby, have spent 13 years breeding their flock, and Dave remains unbeaten all year in what was to be his last show of the season.

They said: “He keeps impressing the judges having a good carcass, stands well and has great-looking skin and mouth.”

The Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band provided music, and a parade of 19 vintage tractors entertained the masses in the early afternoon.

Even though the field took quite a hammering with all the footfall, Neil Snowden, main ring steward, said: “Despite this week’s weather all the volunteers did extensive work to ensure the ground held out.

“Most are local people and it was great to see everybody pull together to mark another successful year.”