CLOUDS kept the sun and big crowds away from the 130th annual Great Harwood Show.

But there was a silver lining for competitors from across East Lancashire who picked up rosebowls and rosettes.

And a bumper crop of entries in all sections of the agricultural society show ensured plenty to see, from falcons to friesians, bantams to St Bernards, sheep shearing to Shetland and shire horses.

There was plenty to crow about in the poultry section where 535 entries from across the North West were the highest for almost 30 years. And show champion Joe Fidler, from Cheshire, had double the reason to celebrate as it was his 80th birthday.

Meanwhile, there was family success for Dick Pye, from Chipping, and his six-year-old grandson, Joe, from Great Harwood. The proud grandad said: "I'm more pleased about him. His little face just lit up when he saw his name on the card. It's his first big win."

The 650 entries in the rabbit section were also well up on last year with breeders travelling from as far as Southampton. One of the "big" hits with children was a British Giant rabbit, tipping the scales at 17lb, the biggest breed in England making a first appearance at Great Harwood.

Another crowd-puller was a skilful display of sheep shearing by Ian Lancaster, from Bolton-by-Bowland, and John Neary, from Chipping, representing Lancashire Federation of Young Farmers.

A falconry display with Lanner and Saker falcons, and a barn owl, was a new attraction this year.

More than 400 dogs in 125 classes made it the best entry for at least five years in the dog show. There were classes for 27 different breeds, and around 40 breeds represented overall.

Shire and Shetland secretary Joanne Hindle organised a hog roast at The Sportsman which raised more than £500 for show funds.

She wished to thank everyone who attended and donated raffle prizes.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.