EXTRA cattle and sheep classes, including a new flock competition, will be introduced at this year’s Glendale Show on August Bank Holiday Monday.

The Glendale Agricultural Society (GAS) expects a record-breaking entry following last year’s jump in numbers when more than 400 head of livestock were exhibited.

The 122nd Glendale Show will be staged on August 25 at the show field in Wooler.

A number of new sheep classes will be held, including the show’s first flock competition, focusing on the overall husbandry and performance of commercial flocks.

A new sheep section has also been introduced for Non MV Suffolks with four classes: shearling ram; ram lamb; ewe or gimmer; and ewe lamb.

The growth in popularity of the cattle classes has also prompted extra competitions for 2014, including halter-led and new native and continental pure-bred classes alongside the commercial beef classes.

Andrew Walton, a GAS director and chief livestock steward, said: “We are delighted that in recent years the livestock classes at Glendale Show have seen a resurgence with them growing from strength to strength.

“To meet the growing interest, we have incorporated some new sheep and cattle classes to appeal to both existing and new exhibitors and we do hope that, once again, the younger generation will be well represented.”

Visitors will be able to see the cream of the North of England and Scotland’s livestock in the main ring grand parade, featuring class winners from cattle and sheep sections, as well as horses, donkeys, alpacas and goats.

Last year, the ultimate crown, the Champion of Champions, was awarded to Newton Aycliffe-based Julie Sedgewick and Neil Slack’s British Blue cross steer, Maximum.

There will also be attractions including the Sheep Show, sheep racing and main ring performances from Australian stuntman the Kangaroo Kid to entertain audiences.

The usual horticultural and industrial classes, food and crafts, trade stands and fairground will be present.

Mr Walton said: “The 2014 Glendale Show is already shaping up to be the best yet and we’re looking forward to a record-breaking livestock entry.

“We have tremendous support from exhibitors who put an awful lot of work into their preparation prior to showing, and our sponsors who are integral, because without their support we could not be able to stage the show, plus of course, our top class judges who give their time freely.”

The full list of classes will be available when the catalogue is published this month. The schedule will be available online at glendaleshow.com and from the show office. Exhibitors can register their interest in advance with the show secretary via email at info@ glendaleshow.com.