THE Westmorland County Agricultural Society celebrated another term of successfully supporting the rural lifestyle and economy during a year that needed it more than ever.

Last year was one which saw farmers from across Cumbria innovate flood prevention methods, support one another and make steps towards recovery.

Chief executive Christine Knipe opened the society's annual meeting on Saturday by thanking everybody for the work they did towards the society's receipt of a Flood Heroes Award.

She said: "I don't know what a hero is. All we did was what anyone would do. We helped our members and fellow farmers."

The society had plenty more to celebrate as well, with both the Westmorland County Show, and the newer Country Fest both enjoying bumper turnouts.

Country Fest, which was in its seventh year in 2016, attracted 14,000 visitors, firmly establishing itself in the agricultural events calendar.

The Country Show, which was held for the 217th time, welcomed 26.5 thousand guests; a number Mrs Knipe pointed out would have been a record just a few years ago.

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The livestock lines were full to bursting with a record 1038 entries in the sheep section, and an increased number of cattle entries as well.

The poultry section had its best entrants ever and the alpaca section was full of entries well before closing time.

Mrs Knipe added: "The show epitomises all that is good about rural Westmorland."

Young farmers gave an account of their time at the Oxford Farming Conference in January, and Mrs Knipe commented on the success of the society's open farm events, in particular the ones which saw animals inside branches of Barclay's bank in Kendal.

Levens farmer, auction director and Plumgarths Farmshop boss John Geldard was chosen as president of the society for 2017. He takes over from David Fell.

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex will be president-elect, with a view to taking on the role of president next year. Susan Bagot will serve as her deputy, filling in when she in unable to attend occasions.

Stephen Proctor will take on the role of president, taking over from David Galbraith, who served three terms.