YOUTHFUL enthusiasm was to the fore as champions were crowned at Appleby Show.

Fears that wet weather could put a stop to the day were allayed as the sun came out just in time for yesterday’s event to get into full swing.

After a change of location last year, to the barley field, near Appleby golf course on Long Marton Road, the crowds arrived in their droves.

Showgoers sauntered around the perfectly put together displays to watch the competitors show off their contenders.

From sheep to hens, horses and dogs, all were welcome and all had a chance to take part. Entries were up at the gate.

Fiona Hoggarth, 11, of Howgill, managed to bag reserve champion for her ewe and said: “I really like farming and it is nice to have my own animals. It’s hard work sometimes but it’s good.

“I’m really proud of my rosettes.

“I have shown them before but this is my first time at Appleby. I have done other shows and I will be doing Westmorland show.

“When I was younger my grandad bought a sheep for me and my sister. All my sheep go back to that one and I have reared them all.”

Her mum Sarah added: “I love the fact that they’re interested because they’re interested and have their own sheep they will help with other things.

“I’m very proud of what they have achieved.”

Showgoers were soaking up the atmosphere were brother and sister Finley, five, and Lydia Wearmouth, seven, who said: “We had a sleep-over last night and we’ve been watching the horses. It’s really good.”

Lydia added: “ It’s been good fun and my favourite part is watching the horses.”

Helping his granddad show his champion Swaledales, George Slack from Hilton said: “It’s very good to get champion. You don’t win every time you go out. It’s good to win.”

Riding her horse with her rosette proudly on display was Penny Robinson, nine, who said: “ I have been in the working hunter class and in a showing class it has been really good I have really enjoyed showing today.”

Standards have been high and the show’s chairman, Alan Barker, said of the day: “It’s fantastic. The rain has kept away and the field is in fantastic shape. It’s has been hard work getting it set up and we’d been hoping for dry weather.

“A week ago we didn’t think there was going to be a show but it has all come together.

“We’ve had a brilliant turn out; we couldn’t ask for anything better. We have never had as many in the sheep classes before. The tent is full to bursting. We thought we were going to have to get a bigger tent.”

The family day had circus acts and pet displays with owners able to have a go on the dog agility course.

Mark and daughter Macey Housby, four, of Appleby, said: “We come most years our children help show their uncle’s sheep, it’s our local show we really enjoy it.”

Entering his vegetables and flowers for the first time was President Geoff Wilson, he said: “It’s going well, everything is well laid out entries are up the sheep classes are up.

I have flowers and vegetables entered it is my first time so I will have to see how it goes.

“I can only try and hope for the best. I’m only a beginner.”