The family-favourite Cockermouth Show had plenty of tumbles, tickles and tantrums on Saturday – and that was just the sheep!

In its 169th year running, the show hosted the World Championship of the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, as well as special Pony Club celebrations to mark its 90th birthday, and so much more.

Visitors were thankful that the only rain in sight was the shower of rosettes and awards being handed out to the proud winners of various categories, with everyone from newbies to experienced show-goers winning big.

It was six-year-old Millie Young’s first time taking part in the competition. The Waverton youngster took home a Highly Commended rosette, and came in third place for handling with her 15-day-old calf, Lottie. Her sisters Evie, seven, and Elsie, two, were happy to be on-hand to help out.

“They were up at 5am to clean and load the trailer themselves,” dad Neil said. “It’s great to come to Cockermouth Show – you learn new skills and enjoy the competition, make friends, and get into the farming spirit.”

He added: “It’s just the best show there is!”

With plenty of cattle, sheep, goats, horses and dogs readily available to admire and cuddle, adults and little ones alike were kept well entertained, and the funfair and market stalls on offer added to the fun of the show.

Youngsters Tyler Howard, four, and his friend, three-year-old Effy Lancaster, from Whitehaven, enjoyed whizzing around on the spinning teacups, while Neave Gorman, two, from Dearham, and cousin Isaac Harper couldn’t keep away from their Grandad’s prize-winning sheep, Sooty.

And the annual event really was a family affair, with small West Cumbrian businesses getting all hands on deck to help out. Natalie O’Brien loved selling her Little Kitchen Bakes at the show, with the help of her partner Nick Salsbury, and niece and nephew Connie and Freddie Jennison.

The business has been up and running for one year, and the baker was thrilled to be selling her treats at her first show.

“There’s such a lovely atmosphere, and everyone’s so friendly!” she said. “It’s a bit hot for cake at the moment, but there’s still been loads of interest, and it’s just been a really great day.”

Glad to be back in the show-saddle after over 20 years, Helen Fenwick, from Gosforth, rode her 11-year-old horse, Peter, taking part in the Pony Club parade, morning show, and unaffiliated showjumping.

The experienced rider enjoyed a moment in the shade with her horse, and said: “It’s been a really good day overall. It’s nice that the showjumping is available to anyone who wants to take part – you don’t have to be an absolute professional to be involved, so everyone can just have fun, which is great.”

On top of the tractors, animals and wrestling, organisations including United Utilities, Cockermouth Mountain Rescue and Hospice at Home attended the show, with United Utilities encouraging guests to reduce their water usage.

The group gave out goodies including free bamboo toothbrushes, shower timers, and aluminium water bottles, and Joe Kenyan, a member of the team, was pleased with the response: “We’re really glad to have a presence at the show, and our tree of pledges to reduce water usage is already full, which is brilliant!”

And with the crowds and stall-holders grinning from ear to ear, it’s no surprise that the show’s secretary of over 30 years, Norma Boyes, was pleased with the day.

“It was such a successful event, and the weather definitely played its part!” she said. “We’re so grateful that everyone turned out. The show depends on support, and it’s so important that traditional shows remain. The committee always pull together and do such a good job, so seeing the support from everyone is lovely.”

She added: “We were also delighted to host the wrestling championships – it’s such a popular attraction, and a prestigious competition, so it was a real honour.”