RECORD entries in the sheep section helped to make the 29th North Yorkshire County Show a success yesterday.

More than 420 sheep were in front of the judges, including berrichon du cher, which were shown for the first time at the event at South Otterington, near Northallerton.

The supreme championship went to S and J Hunter, of Hunmanby, near Filey. Their charollais ewe, shown by Judith and Thomas Hunter, was home-bred on their 25-acre holding.

Reserve champion was a Swaledale three-shear ewe shown by J T Dixon and Sons, of Halfpenny House, Leyburn.

Dairy champions were D and M Cormack, of Sutton, near Thirsk, and the beef championship went to KN Hurst, of Salton, near York, with a Belgian blue heifer.

Torrential rain on Friday led to the cancellation of showjumping, but other equestrian classes went ahead.

Car parking stewards and a tractor were on hand to push and tow cars that became stuck in mud. Show secretary Dave Fielding estimated that about 7,500 visitors attended.

Main ring entertainment included the Mellin family dog and duck display, the Rockin' Horse stunt riders and a parade of the Bilsdale hounds. Music was provided by Northallerton Silver Band.