RECORD numbers of visitors and entrants attended the 145th Ryedale Show.

Peter Woodall, general secretary of the traditional annual agricultural show, said it was clear to see from yesterday’s crowds that attendance was higher than ever, and they had attracted the highest number of entrants since the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001.

The show, held in the natural ampitheatre of Welburn Park, Kirkbymoorside, regularly draws in crowds of more than 15,000, Mr Woodall said more than 200 cattle were entered, as well as 1,100 to 1,200 horses, more than 1,000 sheep and 35 pigs.

He said: “The main highlight was the weather. It has been absolutely perfect.

“For an agricultural show you don’t need a lot of sunshine. It’s been a pleasant temperature so the stock are very happy and the customers are just the same.

“It has been absolutely packed.”