FOR nearly 20 years, Mavis Humphrey has worked tirelessly to ensure one of the last agricultural shows in the North Pennines carries on.

She has turned her hand to most things, from judging the children's pets section and running the horse classes to even taking a ride on a bucking bronco for a bet.

Now, at the age of 73, she has decided that this year's show - the 134th to be held at St John's Chapel, in Upper Weardale, County Durham, and her 18th - will be her last.

"It is time to move on and make room for some young blood," said Mrs Humphrey.

"No matter how much enthusiasm you may have, this can wane and you can get a little stale."

After show day on Saturday, August 30, Mrs Humphrey will bow out gracefully to spend more time working on her cottage on the banks of the River Wear at Ireshopeburn, and indulge in her passion for caring for her four dogs and two cats.

Her love of dogs first drew her to Chapel Show and Weardale Agricultural Society.

Over the years, she has stepped in to take over classes such as photography when a friend took ill.

Mrs Humphrey admitted that the proudest moment of her show life came when she was elected the society's first female president.

Tributes have already been paid to her dedication.

Farmer Dennis Craig, a former society president who has attended the show for 50 years, said: "There is little doubt that Mrs Humphrey has been a tower of strength to the show. We are very, very sorry to be losing her. She has been an absolute gem."