THE British Charolais Cattle Society holds its national show at the Great Yorkshire Show for the first time next week.

The show has attracted a record 72 entries for its visit to the Harrogate showground, with competitors from as far as Cornwall and County Down, Yorkshire and the North.

Peter Phythian, British Charolais Cattle Society chief executive, said: “Searching for a new venue, we are thrilled and honoured that the Yorkshire Agricultural Society has provided us with the opportunity to bring our National Charolais Show to the Great Yorkshire, one of the most renowned events on the show calendar.”

The cattle will contest 11 classes, with six championships available, including the Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the overall breed champion.

Charles Mills, show director, said: “We are delighted to welcome another national breed championship to the Great Yorkshire Show. Our focus has always been on agriculture and hosting such important events in the breeders’ calendar underlines our commitment to supporting livestock farmers.”

The Show – held from Tuesday to Thursday next week – is also home to the Beef Shorthorn UK Championship, attracting the highest number of entries for any cattle breed and expected to reach a record 118 for the second year running.

Breeders from as far afield as Renfrewshire and Essex will contest the 99 classes and four championships.

The UK Championship has been held at the Great Yorkshire for the past three years, with entries growing year-on-year as the breed enjoys a major increase in popularity.

Sally Horrell, Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society president, said: “Whilst Beef Shorthorn has generated immense interest at the Great Yorkshire, the breed has been enjoying a resurgence simply because it meets with the current demand from suckler producers for a functional suckler cow.”