BUMPER crowds turned out for an annual village sports event on Saturday that continues to grow in popularity.

Beetham Sports has been held annually on the last Saturday of July since 1920 and organisers said there were record takings on the gate this year.

The sports were started to commemorate the signing of the Armistice after World War I and little has changed over the years, which is very much part of the appeal.

The emphasis is on having a fun, family day out with a big dollop of healthy competition thrown to entertain those who encircle the show ring shouting words of encouragement.

Children and adults compete for cash prizes in sprint races ranging in distance from 50 to 90 metres. The more serious competitors take part in the longer distance, handicapped, track races.

One of the big draws is the five mile fell race which sees competitors run through Dallam Estate parkland, along woodland trails and up through the Fairy Steps,

Howgill's Gareth Booth triumphed this year in 39-15 from Black Combe's Harvey Lord (39-49) and Bowland's Doug Love (40-22).

Black Combe's Anna Lupton (41-48) was a clear winner of the ladies' race with Lonsdale's Claire Nance (46-22) in second and her team mate Felena de Silver (47-04) in third. There were 95 finishers.

The Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling bouts are always eagerly anticipated and another highlight is the tug-of-war competition which this year saw the men taking on the ladies. There was also a welly wanging competition.

Other attractions include a children's fancy dress competition, stall and side shows including a coconut shy and a bat the rat challenge.

Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling results: Under 10: 1 Philip Hall, 2 Blake Fleming, 3 Mason Benson; Under 11: 1 Alexander Beston, 2 Tyke Benson, 3 Myles Stainton; Under 12: 1 Rosie Hodgson, 2 Joe Charnley, 3 Myles Stainton; Under 14: 1 Alexander Beston, 2 Tyke Benson, 3 Drew Hayward; Under 18: 1 Joshua Threlfall, 2 Tyke Benson, 3 Alexander Beston; Girls under 17: 1 Rosie Hodgson, 2 Noun Richardson, 3 Jessica Benson; Ladies all weights: 1 Amy Bradshaw, 2 Rosie Hodgson, 3 Noun Richardson; 13st: 1 Graham Brocklebank, 2 Tyke Benson, 3 Joshua Threlfall; All weights: 1 Joe Threlfall, 2 Graham Brocklebank, 3 Joshua Threlfall.