Report: Millom and Broughton Agricultural Show 2010

4:53pm Saturday 28th August 2010

By Kate Proctor

YOUNG farmers and pony riders gave adult entrants a run for their money at the 126th Millom and Broughton show today, scooping some of the event's top prizes.

Nearly 3000 people dodged showers and blustery winds to attend the event held at West Park in Broughton-in-Furness today.

Dowdales pupil Derrie Johnson, 15, of Dalton, came away with three prizes with her Conemarra-cross pony Millstock Fairytale.

The pony came first in the riding pony and 15 hand workers category and was also crowned champion working hunter pony.

"I only got my horse last October and I'm really pleased that we won here because it's local. I've been placed in every single show that I've entered this year and I think it's just down to hard work, riding her everyday and getting into a good routine."

Miss Johnson will now take Millstock Fairytale to Pony of the Year show in Uttoxeter on September 12.

In the cattle 13-year-old Jordan Johnston of Marton triumphed with his six month old British blue calf Fergie - named after the American pop-star.

"I won the supreme beef and all beef young handling class. I enjoy the shows it makes me feel really proud when I win," he said.

The day was extra special for the Johnston family who heard half-way through the judging that their other son Ryan had been picked to play for Dowdales School rugby team, who are playing at Wembley today in the final of the Carnegie Champion Schools cup.

This year the supreme cattle champion went to Martin Cooper of Hawthwaite Holsteins, who also won the champion dairy with the same five-year-old cow.

"We only live half a mile away but we've still got to start at 4am to get her ready. We only enter this show because it's so much work preparing the udder, cleaning her up, getting her bloom up and really making her looking her best, so it's great to win."

He said competition this year had been very high and it had been a hard decision for the judges.

Show secretary, Rachel Jopson, who spent the day manning the busy prize tent said she was pleased to see the show back in the swing of things following two cancelled shows in 2007 and 2008.

"It's been a really good do today apart from the odd shower here and there. The atmosphere's been great and I think what sets us apart is the variety and standards of the animals."

Visitors to the show Katherine Craig and Joe Brazier from Askham-in-Furness said there was lots to do despite its size.

"This is the best show we've been to, it's nice and got a bit of everything even though it's just in one field.

"We really liked the vegetables made into animals, it reminded us of making them when we were little!"

Results

Keith Winder Cup for the champion in-hand pony under 14.2hh - Mr and Mrs L Park.

Richard Latham Memorial Cup for the best in-hand horse over 14.2hh - F. Hoggarth.

Presidents choice trophy - Richard Rawlinson (for his metal sculpture of a man).

Click below to see our photo gallery from The Millom and Broughton Agricultural Show.