ONE of the oldest county shows is renowned for wooing the crowds with a traditional display of all that is best about the rural countryside.

And although the more unusual activities like old penny pinching and a pillow fight haven’t survived the test of time - they’ve been replaced by the likes of tug-of-war, terrier races, the traditional Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling – and new for this year a competition involving sheep shearing, pie eating and pint of beer drinking!

Show secretary, Vicky Baty, said: “This competition involves teams of three with each person taking on one component.We thought it would be a good idea to introduce something different for our return this year.”

The show takes place this Sunday, August 7 at Triermain Farm, Gilsland and is signposted from Greenhead and Gilsland on show day and parking is free.

Described as a small, friendly show, organisers have classes for sheep, Galloway cattle, Clydesdale horses, pony sports, dogs and a popular industrial tent, incorporating children’s classes, horticulture, produce, baking, knitting, needlework and crafts, photography and walking sticks. Other events on the day include children’s sports, Langholm Pipe Band, stalls, attractions and music.

The first show was held in 1915 with horses, ponies, dogs and sheep as well as classes for butter, eggs and bread and also running long jump, wrestling 11 stone, cup smashing, old penny pitching and pillow fights! The popularity of the horse and pony showing classes led to the need for a separate equestrian show and since 1999 this has been held at the end of July/beginning of August.