THE weather could have been kinder, but Eggleston Show still managed to draw the crowds at the weekend.

Despite a constant drizzle, visitors to one of the last agricultural shows of the season enjoyed the many attractions.

The marquees and tents were particularly busy as visitors took refuge from the rain, with the pigeon and poultry tent especially busy.

Although the after-effects of the foot-and-mouth crisis put paid to the sheep and cattle classes, there was a good turnout in the horses.

There were record entries in the piebald and skewbald horse class, with 86 in total. The Appaloosa class had its best recorded entry, and the Dales and Fell ponies also attracted a high turnout.

Exhibitions in the craft tent were as diverse as tool-making and bee-keeping.

A climbing wall and slide helped to keep children entertained and there were several trade stands.

The event started with a showjumping competition and, later on bookmakers did brisk business for the harness racing.

Show secretary George Lawson said: "The weather would have made a difference, but there was a good crowd of people there and they all seemed to enjoy themselves and weren't disappointed at all."

Trophy winners

Emmerson Memorial Cup for Dales ponies: David Eccles; Darlington and Stockton Times Trophy for Fell ponies: Mr and Mrs D Wilkinson; Mrs Passmore Cup for Shetlands: Mrs Lilian Wheatley; Lady Gray Rose Bowl for best boy or girl rider 7 to 11-years: Mrs JL Lowthian; Shirley Dowson Trophy for best pony not exceeding 14.2 hands: Mrs Alison Metcalfe; Eggleston Agricultural Society Trophy for mountain and moorlands: Mr M Purdham; Mary Bowron Cup for hunters: Miss Penny Thompson; Tetley's Brewery Trophy for Appaloosas: H James; Merrigan Trophy for skewbald and piebald: Mrs Clare Martin; Tees Valley Beagles Trophy for traditional coloured horse: G Walker; JW Hall Trophy for champion of champions: Mrs Claire Martin; Susie's Pride Trophy for harness racing: Abittoboot, Mr J Nicholson; W Parkin Memorial Trophy for best poultry in show: RJ Brown; Bendholme Trophy for best duck and drake: Peter Gray; Atkinson Cup for pigeons: L and P Williamson; JA Kidd Trophy for walking sticks: AJ Warwick; Glaxo Shield for the WI competition: Newbiggin-in-Teesdale WI; JW Nicholson Cup for dry-stone walling: Stephen Bainbridge; Mrs Fields Trophy for pastry, cakes and biscuits: Mrs CA Tennant.