By James Johnson

Last updated at 13:00, Monday, 04 July 2011

Showjumping, panpipes, rock climbing and bouncy castles were just some of the attractions at Saturday’s Skelton Show at the Hutton-in-the-Forest showfield.

Beccy Stephenson with her Clydesdale Phantom

The hot sun meant many families spent large parts of the afternoon lying in the cool shade of overhanging trees, as various well-groomed animals were led past them.

For those that dared venture out into the heat, there was the lure of a mechanical bull or a fairground ride, while music wafted through the summer air.

Linda Smith, 66, from Stainmore, was enjoying the occasion with her grandchildren five-year-old Fergus and two-year-old Arlow Greenough.

She said: “I came with my family and I like watching the horses.

“So far we’ve eaten ice cream, and we’re looking forward to seeing what else there is.

“We’re just going to enjoy the day, and I’m really impressed with the turnout.”

Elsewhere, three generations of one family became Zwartbles (sheep) champions.

AJ, 65, Colin, 41, and Joshua, Thorburn, nine, of Holmlea, Eastriggs, were triumphant in the Shearling category.

AJ said: “We’d won it two years in a row before this, so I hoped we would win again – but you never know.

“I got interested in Zwartbles when I was at an H&H auction in Carlisle and I saw a young couple come out with one, but I didn’t know what it was.

“Then one morning I saw one in the newspaper, and since then I’ve been showing them.

“It’s a lovely day and I’m really enjoying it.”

Emma Armstrong and James Carlile won a trophy for Reserve Champion Charollais Sheep at the show.

For those interested in more exotic animals, there was a pet stall showing off tarantulas and lizards, as well as an alpaca stall.

Lynn and Ken Norman from Curthwaite were among the thousands who made the trip to the show.

Ken said: “We’re just here to enjoy the sun and the good show.

“It’s the first time we’ve been, but I think we will come back.

“I was hoping to have a go on the bouncy castle but I think at 73 I might be a little too old!”

First published at 11:26, Monday, 04 July 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk