THE long-awaited arrival of sunny summer weather saw record numbers flocking to enjoy the sights and sounds of the 148th Wetherby Show this weekend.

The sunshine not only boosted the turnout but meant people stayed longer to take in the wealth of attractions and entertainment, along with the enormous range of show classes.

Although attendance figures for the Wetherby Agricultural Society event are still to be collated, they are expected to show record numbers.

Show secretary Gill Smith said: "The gate is definitely up on last year. The weather was absolutely fantastic and made for a really good day. We think it was a very successful show."

The event, on the showfield at Grange Park, Wetherby, attracts entrants from across the region and each class is fiercely competed.

On the lighter side, other attractions featured this year ranged from classic cars and Punch and Judy to Bertie and Belinda the otters.

Also entertaining the crowds was falconer Craig Addison, from Tadcaster-based Pagan Falconry, with his hooded vulture, Reqiuem, one of only seven in the country.

There was plenty to see in the craft marquee as there was in the horticultural area and agricultural sites.

Wetherby Silver Band provided the soundtrack for the day and the blazing sunshine made ice cream the dish of the day.

SHOW CHAMPIONS

HORSES - Ridden Hunters: M P Surtees, Noasham; Hunters in Hand: Mrs J Leighton, Barmby-on-the-March.

SHIRES - Best Agricultural Horse: P & W Bedford, Escrick. Best Exhibit: R Whiteoak, Silsden. Best Breeders Exhibit: P & W Bedford, Escrick.

Private Driving - Reg Chapman, Chesterfield.

PONIES - Champion Working Hunter Pony: Clair Thompson. Champion Ridden Show Pony: SA Hollings & Bankwood Stud, Blackburn. Champion Brood Mare: Mrs J Fox, Roecliffe. Champion Pony Youngstock: Mrs J Ramsay.

Show Jumping - Best Junior Newcomer: Penny Richardson, Whitby. Best Junior Foxhunter: Mrs E Russell, Thirsk. Best Junior Open Jumping: Mrs E Russell, Thirsk. Discovery Championship: Fiona Chapman, Pateley Bridge. Best Senior Newcomer: Richard Adams. Best Horse and Hound Foxhunter: Mike Thompson, Spofforth. Members' Cup: Carrie Busfield, Bielby. Qualifier for Festival of Show Jumping: Karl Fuller, Otley. Accumulator (with joker): Mike Thompson, Spofforth.

CATTLE - Jersey: Pavenham Jerseys, Richmond. Dairy Shorthorns: P N Throup, Keighley. Aberdeen Angus: T A & P Johnson, Brandsby. Pedigree Charolais: G W Turner, Ripon. Pedigree Limousin: Millington Grange Estate, Millington. Overall Beef Champion: Millington Grange Estate, Millington. Commercial Beef: Miss Diane Whiteley, Thirsk.

SHEEP - Suffolk Down Sheep: Mr J Hall, Easingwold. Texel Sheep: Mr P C Longdin, Doncaster. Charollais Sheep: J & W Ripley, Thirsk. Jacob Sheep: J R & F M Fozzard, Goole.

Goats - Best Milker: Mrs J Gregg, Masham. Best Goatling: Miss E Phillips, Long Marston. Best Kid: Mrs J Gregg, Masham.

Picture-CULTURE VULTURE: Craig Addison, of Pagan Falconry, Tadcaster, shows off Requiem, a one-year-old Hooked Vulture, at Wetherby Show