THE fourth Countryside Live Food and Farming Fair came to an end in glorious sunshine yesterday.

Organisers of the event, billed as the little sister of the Great Yorkshire Show, predicted a record-breaking attendance at the showground in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Honorary show director Bill Cowling said yesterday's good weather drew the crowds.

"Everywhere was certainly very busy, especially on Sunday when we enjoyed bright sunshine and mild temperatures," he said.

"It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves, and learning so much about farming in Yorkshire, how vital it is and what wonderful food is produced in the county.

"As well as having a great day out, we hope they went away realising how important it is to support our farmers and what a difference they make to our lives."

Yorkshire swept the board in the prestigious National Festival of Meat, with both supreme and reserve awards in the ribs of beef section going to David Jackson, of Carnaby, Bridlington.

Jim Hollingsworth, cattle judge, said: "I have seen some of the best cattle in the UK in the ring. I guarantee you could not have seen finer stock anywhere."

The Brown family, of Bedale, enjoyed success in the sheep classes, being placed in every class they entered and taking the reserve championship for the champion pair sired by a Continental.

Twelve-year-old Hannah Brown won the young handlers' sheep section, with a Beltex cross, and followed that up with the red rosette in the young handlers' beef class, showing a steer from J Stoney and Sons, of Pateley Bridge.

The poultry show saw increased entries, in spite of the event being cancelled last year due to the threat of avian flu.