SWELTERING summer sun brought up to 15,000 people flocking to Todmorden to make the town's agricultural show one of the best on record.

Chairman for 10 years, Ben Bracewell has been involved with the show for 40 years and said: "It has been one of the best days we have had for a long while."

Centre Vale Park was packed for the 74th show as 12-hours of everything from geese herding and vintage vehicles to show jumping and chainsaw carving.

President Peter Cryer said: "This show would be very difficult to beat. Everyone has been well pleased, especially the response to the rare breeds, which is new to the show but something we will be expanding on next year.

"The luncheon went very well and everyone said what a wonderful show it has been. I would like to thank all the staff who helped put the show together, they have given 100 per cent."

Geoff Falshaw, from Sourhall, Todmorden, organised the rare breeds section bringing along his Highland cattle and Ryeland sheep.

Ancola African cattle, Californian red deer and American elk were brought by Peter Boddy, of Cross Stone. There was even an addition to the family with one of the Ancola cow's calving the previous day. Other rare breeds were Alpacas from Chilli, Jacob sheep and Dutch sheep called Zwartbles.

Work on planning the next show begins now, but organisers were thrilled with the success of this year.

East Lancashire winners at a glance

Cattle: Belgian blue heifer, Hartley, Nelson; continental heifer, J Melling, Nelson; Butcher's best, Hartley, Nelson; matched pair, Hartley, Nelson; overall all beef champion, Hartley, Nelson.

Sheep: Lonk, ram shearing, C Brett, Whitworth; ram lamb, J Pickard, Great Harwood, gimmer hog, J Pickard, Great Harwood; ewe suckling lamb, J Pickard, Great Harwood; ewe lamb, J Pickard, Great Harwood; Gritstones: tup, R Fielden, Todmorden; ram shearing, J Bracewell, Cliviger; ram lamb, R Fielden, Todmorden; gimmer hog, D Mares, Darwen; ewe suckling lamb, R Haworth, Helmshore; ewe lamb, R Haworth, Helmshore; group of three, R Fielden, Todmorden; tup lamb, J Pickard, Great Harwood; best wooled, C Brett, Whitworth.

Children's pets: Bill and Elsie McRate Cup, Gabrielle Sutcliffe, cat; Trevor Cryer Cup, John Newsome, axolotte; Maureen Cryer Cup, Leanne Halliwell, rabbit; rosettes, five to 10 years, Jack Davies, ferret; 11 to 15 years, Sam Carter, rabbit.

PICTURE: Graham Taylor with a wonderful example of a European eagle owl