Celebrities, royalty and thousands of people and animals marked the first day of Britain’s most popular agricultural show on Tuesday (July 12).

The Great Yorkshire Show has battled through floods, recessions and pandemics since 1838 to become the leading agricultural event in the country calendar, so temperatures of 24 degrees and cloudy skies were ideal conditions for the 163rd show.

Guest of honour was the Princess Royal who delighted crowds as she wandered around the showground for four hours meeting and greeting competitors who had come to show off their beloved animals as well as young cadets, cheese producers and the department for International Trade to hear about local food and drink businesses who export around the world.

Read more: Great Yorkshire Show: First day of iconic event begins - recap 

But her most important task was as patron of the Shorthorn Cattle Society where she judged the classes.

To mark their 200th anniversary they held a world congress at the event, alongside the Charolais Society, the first time this has happened at any show and bringing world experts to the Harrogate showground.

Show Director Charles Mills said: “It’s been a wonderful Royal visit with The Princess Royal on the first day of the Great Yorkshire Show.

Darlington and Stockton Times: A showjumper takes on a difficult jump at The Great Yorkshire Show. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTA showjumper takes on a difficult jump at The Great Yorkshire Show. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

"It was terrific to see some of the country’s finest cattle and we had the biggest line up of Shorthorn Cattle there’s ever been. The Charolais were equally impressive. We really look forward to the rest of the week.”

On the centre stage Countryfile presenter Adam Henson was another crowd puller.

He said: "It is really lovely to be here and see so many happy people. The Great Yorkshire has a reputation as one of the best agricultural shows in the country.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Princess Anne attended the opening day of the famous agricultural show. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.Princess Anne attended the opening day of the famous agricultural show. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

"It’s not only a show case for farmers to exhibit some of the finest livestock in the UK but also a great day out for those who want to learn about and enjoy everything rural.

"To be able to do the job I do everyday and continue my dad's legacy with the Farm Park is really special.

"I don't think of myself as a celebrity at all, I'm just a farmer who has diversified into the media but it's definitely different and opened lots of doors for me and given me lots of opportunities.”

A show namesake which is in danger of disappearing also took pride of place.

Darlington and Stockton Times: One of the sheep getting a clean. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTOne of the sheep getting a clean. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The Yorkshire Pig, a large white native breed, has been put in the highest priority category by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and the British Pig Association after an alarming decline in numbers, a new conservation campaign was launched at the show to ensure it’s survival.

Farmers' leaders and fruit and veg growers took the opportunity to use the show as a platform to call on the Government to work with them to combat soaring costs and failing policies to help ensure they can drive up food production.

Minette Batters, President of the National Farmers Union said: “What we are facing is unprecedented, the government has been focused on the environment and not investing in food production, we need policies to make sure we are producing the countries food.”

Darlington and Stockton Times: Crowds of people flock to the opening day of The Great Yorkshire Show. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTCrowds of people flock to the opening day of The Great Yorkshire Show. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

High temperatures meant competitors fought to keep the 8,500 animals on the showground cool, with fans and hoses used to best advantage.

The show continues for the next three days until Friday with more high temperatures forecast and 140,000 people due to visit.

But all tickets have been sold and organisers are warning people not to turn up unless they have pre-booked.

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