THE sun shone on God's own country - and the Great Yorkshire Show lived up to its name.

Truly, this looks to have been one of the greatest in memory.

Everything came together, from the fine weather to the full return to agricultural glory, allowing the three-day festival of farming to shine. This was the first fully functioning show after the foot and mouth disaster, which saw off one show completely and cruelly restricted last year's event.

Livestock was allowed back and the sight of so many magnificent animals lifted the heart and restored the show to what it has always been.

The Great Yorkshire Show is glorious for so many reasons, as a celebration of county's farmers, as a showcase for agriculture and as a great day out for all the family.

Attendance at this year's show looks to have been the highest ever, with early figures suggesting that Wednesday was particularly busy, with one official talking of "probably the greatest number of people through the gates in the history of the show".

Success can bring its problems, from heavy traffic clogging the roads to Harrogate to the sheer weight of people in attendance. Hot weather adds to the difficulties too, with reports of some visitors suffering due to the heat and lack of water. But any such problems only go to indicate the enduring popularity of the show.

The Great Yorkshire Show remains a fantastic showcase for Yorkshire, an occasion to take pride and to justifiably show off a little.

Sadly, no Government minister saw fit to attend the show - being too busy, no doubt, with trying to untangle themselves from assorted political complications. This is a great shame - not least for the absent ministers, who missed out on a great treat and a great show.

Perhaps next year, the Government may consider sending a minister to this important event. After all, it would send out a signal that New Labour hasn't entirely forgotten this region or its country dwellers.

Updated: 12:10 Friday, July 11, 2003