Thousands of people flocked to Cockermouth Show on a sunny Saturday and enjoyed the endless entertainment on offer.

Up to 9,000 are thought to have gone through the gates at The Fitz for the 165th annual show. 

There was a record number of entries in the industrial section and the sheep numbers were up. 

The hard-working organising committee was delighted with the turn out.

Farmers from all over battled it out in the livestock sections, gleaming horses kept the crowds captivated, the Cumberland wrestling was well contested, as were the children’s dogs, and there was a fantastic array of poultry and some hilarious terrier racing.

There were masses of trade stands, an impressive selection of vintage machinery and vehicles, woodturning, sheep shearing and farrier displays. 

New for this year were meerkats, brought by Richard Robinson, manager of Bassenthwaite's Lake District Wildlife Park.

“They’re going down an absolute storm,” said Richard.

“It’s amazing how few people have seen a meerkat except on the telly. 

"I’ve had all sorts of questions, including ‘Can they speak Russian?’”

Doreen Cook, of Keswick, has been going to the show for more than 70 years. Her family used to farm in Papcastle. She was there with granddaughter Kim Pepper and great-grandchildren Ruby, seven, Chloe, three, and James, one.

“My father, John Bell, was on the show committee many years ago and I have been coming since I was eight or nine,” said Mrs Cook, 81.

“It’s grown since. It was mostly cattle then, but it has the same spirit. It’s great, there’s something for everyone.”

Setmurthy farmers Lana, David and Johnathon Norman had a successful day. Lana’s mixed breed goat won Best Goat. Her husband and son’s sheep, which was raised on goat’s milk, was reserve Charollais champion. 

Mrs Norman also entered many craft items in the industrial section.

Longtown farmers Anne and Michael Story won Champion Sheep with their homebred Beltex tup.

“I’m from here originally so it’s nice to get down. There’s always a friendly atmosphere,” said Anne.

Wigton farmers David and Christine Sanderson won Champion Dairy with one of their Ayrshires, which recently won its class in the Yorkshire Show.

They had to shoot off to a wedding shortly after judging, leaving their daughter, Lynne Williams, in charge. 

Lynne, who was accompanied by daughter Carys, eight months, said: “My parents have been coming here for over 30 years. We like to support this show. There’s been a good turnout today.”

Champion Beef was won by Elaine and Ross Pattinson, of Brampton, with their British Blue two-year-old heifer, who went on to win Supreme Champion. It had won Champion of Champions at Penrith Show last week.

“We’ve always shown here, it’s a great show, there’s always good crack,” said Elaine, who was with their children, Lexi, three, and Phoebe, two.

Jake Hewitson, seven, of Whitehaven, won Supreme Champion in the poultry section, which featured 230 birds, with his Australorp cockerel. It was his first time at the show.

There were 588 sheep at the show, 103 cattle and 32 goats.

President John Callion, of Great Clifton, who has been on the organising committee for more than 30 years, said: “We have had an excellent day and a great crowd. 

"Cockermouth Show is the best in the area. There’s always a great atmosphere which means people come back year after year.”