CATTLE, carriages, horses, hens, flowers and ferrets, all featured in a great showcase for farmers in a new setting in one North-East dale.

The 143rd annual Eggleston Agricultural Show provided one of the last platforms of the busy summer show season for the Teesdale farming community to display the pick of their produce, stock, crafts and canine chums.

While the attention has been on other rural communities in County Durham and North Yorkshire in recent weeks, the show spotlight moved to Eggleston for its big day in the sun, on Saturday.

Hayberries Farm, off the B6277, between Mickleton and Romaldkirk, provided a suitable new venue, courtesy of Peter Addison and family.

Eggleston Agricultural Society ensured a fitting, traditional feel for the show, with a busy schedule, but with plenty to amuse and entertain all ages and the non-farming visitors.

Among the attractions were birds of prey, dog shows, the poultry tent, handy craft and horticulture displays, vintage tractors, equine classes, including show jumping, ferret racing, plus fairground rides, a catering tent to what all appetites and, of course, the beer tent, to slake the thirst of showgoers into mid-evening.

Show secretary Alan Gent, who took over the role for the first time, having been involved in many guises in previous years, said the reaction to the new venue was unanimously positive.

“It’s been compact, but all the traders agreed they were all in a prominent position.

“We had a fantastic field in all the classes and the judges said the Highland Cattle were as good as you get, even in Scotland.”

Following yesterday’s clear-up, Mr Gent said, given the apparent universal positive reaction, there is a strong chance the 144th show will be back at Hayberries, next year.