Last updated 21:14, Sunday, 03 August 2008

THOUSANDS of people attended Saturday’s Cockermouth Show, proving that farming is still alive and kicking.

The sun came out for the farmers who brought their cattle, sheep, horses, goats and poultry to the Fitz, on Low Road.

Show secretary Norma Boyes said: "I think this year’s event has gone very well, and the committee was pleased to see so many people turn out.

"We have had between 7,000 and 9,000 people here, which is wonderful particularly after the cancellation of last year’s event.

"It is the best selection of livestock I think we have had and we have never had this many trade stands as well.

"I would like to thank all the farmers for coming out despite the rising costs they are experiencing at the moment."

Last year, the show had to be cancelled at the 11th hour after an outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

On Saturday, those who attended could see animals and demonstrations of vintage buses and motorcycles.

One of the events that drew the biggest crowds of the afternoon was the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling programme, which saw people of all ages compete.

There was also show-jumping and sheep shearing demonstrations.

Music was provided by band Lemongrass who entertained crowds throughout the day.

The show was brought to an end by the grand parade where Kevin Watret won the award for the best beast on the showfield in addition to the best cow in the British Blue section and best interbreed champion.

Mr Watret, who farms on Manscastle Farm, at Annan, has already won the champion of champions at the Cumberland Show, and won the breed champion at the Royal Highland and Northumberland shows.

John Callion, 53, a former chairman of the show, and his son David Callion, 23, of Lodge Farm, Great Clifton, won senior cow in milk to have been calved three times or more.

John said: "I am very proud and I have been coming here for as long as I can remember.

"This show is always well supported and there is such a good mix of people.

"It is nice to see everybody back, especially after what happened last year."

James Trafford, five, and Charlotte Trafford, eight, of Springfield Farm, Greysouthen, won the young farmers’ class for best Ram Lamb, in the Charolais Sheep category.

Their mum Alison said: "We have been showing here for around 25 years and farming is something that has been passed through generations in our family.

"They help us out on the farm and really enjoy it and it is nice that they have something to show for their efforts."

George Wilkinson, 26, of Aspatria, was Reserve Supreme Sheep Championship.

He said: "I am very pleased to have won.

"Breeding sheep was something I took over from my parents and I have been doing it for about 15 years now. I have been coming here every year for about 10 years now.

"It offers something for local families which is what I think makes it so special."