HORSES, cattle, sheep, dogs and even snakes featured a in day of top competition and entertainment at a country show at the weekend.

Eggleston Agricultural Society hosted its annual show at Mickleton, in Teesdale, County Durham, on Saturday.

More than 4,000 people turned out to enjoy the day which included traditional rural competitions, trade stalls and family entertainment.

Classes included cattle, sheep, goats, horses, driving and show jumping, gun and pet dogs, poultry and vintage tractors.

And the horticultural and industrial tents were full of impressive vegetables, flowers, crafts, cookery and children’s entries.

Two of the big prize wins of the day went to local exhibitors – Mike and Jo Souter, of Eggleston, with the cow and calf supreme champion, and Peter Addision, who hosts the show on his field at Hayberries Farm, showed the champion zwartbles sheep.

Show secretary Alan Gent said it was an occasion for people from the community to get together and celebrate the Dale and for visitors to appreciate what it has to offer.

He said: “Everybody seemed to have a marvellous day.

"The crowds were obviously keen as we ran out of wristbands and the field was full by noon, it is usually not that busy until about 2pm.

“We had some great entries and entertainment, the Zoolab guy said he was phenomenally busy showing animals like a snake and rat to children all day.

"We know we had a successful day because everyone whop commented said they had a thoroughly good time.

"We had no complaints.

“It was really nice to see some local winners too, really bringing the show home to Eggleston.

“I’d also like to say thanks to the people who attended for supporting us and also leaving the place so tidy.

"We asked over the tannoy for everyone to put their little in the bin and the next morning we went to clear the field and there was hardly a bit of mess left behind.”