IT kicked off the agricultural season in style.

Families across the county, including Brampton, Wigton, Penrith, and Keswick flocked to this year’s Cumberland Show in their droves.

Louise Paisley, from Kirkbride, said: “I’ve come to the show with my daughter Katie Graham and my grandson Tommy and, as a family, we’ve been coming here every year for the past 30 years.

“It is a great event, and Tommy was excited to see the sheep and cows at the show.”

While the wave of sunshine and warm weather welcomed the visitors outside, inside the show tents there was a buzz from the talented array of more than 5,000 entries.

From colourful crafts to tasty tray bakes, the standard of entrants rose to a new level.

And one competitor, who has returned after a hiatus for several years, came back with a bang and wowed the judges with her creations.

Gillian Potts, who is the operations and development secretary at the show, managed to scoop 14 prizes from the home industries tent.

A delighted Gillian, from Dalston, was asked how she found the time to cook up her winning entries.

She said: “How do I find the time? I have no idea.

“You do burn a bit of midnight oil though to get it done.

“I didn’t expect to win as much as I have, but I’m delighted.

“There are three generations of us who have been involved in the show, my Mam started off originally, then me, and then my daughter.

“Last year, in memory of my Mam, I decided to donate her Brough Rose Salver to go to the overall outstanding exhibit in the adults section.”

The Salver was won by Elaine Clay, from Walton, for her embroidered box.

Home Industries secretary Megan Davy said the show received a significant rise in the number of entries.

“Last year we had 4,702, and this year we have 5,380 exhibits.

“Twelve local schools have taken part, and have done loads, from decorated wooden spoons to baking and they are really good.”