Livestock bans and the odd shower could not alter the Dunkirk spirit as show goers donned their wellies and umbrellas determined to enjoy the last agricultural show of the season.

Despite the livestock ban on top quality cattle, sheep and goats, there were new demonstrations and attractions in place to entertain the crowds. There were thrills and spills galore with the Mega Mini's explosive show, and a new addition with the 'Pet on a Lead' competition where youngsters showed off their prized pets to hundreds of onlookers.

With terrier racing, a fun fair and sheep dog trials the show's schedule was jam packed. The parade of the West of Yore Hounds and Claro Beagles proved as popular as ever as the crowds gathered to watch the impressive display.

Touch of adversity

Press Officer Beryl Bell was delighted with the success of the event. She said: "Under these circumstances we really are delighted, a touch of adversity brings out the best of people. Next year we will be back to do what we do well, the Yorkshire Dales livestock show. People from a wide area come to the show rain or shine and once they are here they are here to stay."

Old favourites were among the new and one of the main events of the day, the open dog show, had over 1000 entries with everything from Beagles to Bull Mastiff's.

Equally popular proved the Small Stock section of the show Fur and Feather, with even higher numbers of entries for poultry, rabbits, waterfowl and pigeons. Ian Hardman comes every year with his award winning border terriers, better known for their appearances in Coronation Street as Ken Barlow's unlucky dog, Eccles. "It's a great day," he said, "We always go away with something."

Although the skies did finally open a spot of rain did not dampen spirits as visitors had come prepared. Carolyn Leslie from Darlington insisted the persistent showers wouldn't stand in their way of having a great time. She said: "We have just been having a look around the dog show, it is very interesting. We wont be put off by the weather!"

Impressive

Special Guest Ian Clayton of TV show 'My Yorkshire' fame was particularly impressed with the range of goodies on display at Pateley Pantry. He said: "It's fantastic, we haven't managed to get more than half way round. I hadn't realised people were coming from so far around. It is a very important event for Yorkshire, and people have really taken it to their hearts."

There was not one but two brass bands entertaining the crowds, with the Old Silkstone Band accompanying the Show Parade and the local Summerbridge and Dacre SIlver Prize Band keeping spirits up over lunch. Tom Ruthorford came especially from Halifax for the day, and said it was the highlight of his day 'eating his lunch by the band'.

The Pately Pantry proved a haven for the hungry folks, while the Craft tent had a spectacular variety of jewellery, paintings and novelty gifts on display. The only dampener on the day was when the Fire and Rescue Demonstration was cancelled as the team struggled with winds determined to blow their tent away.

While this years show has been the subject of more than the usual number of last minute spanners in the works, the show was a huge success regardless. Director Joe Stoney said: "Most people have had disappointment with shows this year. We have had an awful lot on this summer. An agricultural show without livestock leaves one a little bit gutted, but the spirit is still there."

He added: "We are really pleased with the turnout. We will start again, planning for next year, and make it even bigger and better."