Heavy rain and a water-logged show field failed to dampen the spirits of competitors, exhibitors and visitors to the 118th Annual Brough Show.

Poor weather conditions for gardeners resulted in a reduction in flower and vegetable entries in the Industrial Tent, but he bad weather did not prevent many people bring their entries for the arts, crafts, cookery and floral arrangement classes.

Joint ladies secretary, Jill Tarm, of Kirkby Stephen, said: "Overall it has not been a bad year for entries. Last year was an exceptional year, with entries up 70 per cent on the previous show, and would have been hard to beat without such bad weather.

"Though the bad weather has resulted in a reduction in flowers and vegetable entries, we have had good floral arrangements this year and the scarecrow competition which we have brought back this year has proved very popular."

Jill, who shares the post of joint ladies secretary with Shirley Jones, explained: "We need more people to help and are appealing for new people to join the committee and help on show days to keep the show going.

"Everyone is very busy, with work as well as family commitments, but the more members we have the more the work can be shared out."

The show field, loaned by kind permission of G.W. Beckwith, was turned into a mud bath with some competitors having to be towed on to, as well as off the field. But unlike the show at Skelton, the Brough show went on and rosettes and trophies were awarded in the pouring rain.

Sally Flatman, 27, of Hilton, brought her 17-year old mare Pink Whizz and took first prize in the Veteran 15-19 year old.

Edwin and Hilda Winder, of Ravenstonedale, had success with their terriers. Brook, a two-year-old black and tan Lakeland Terrier, took the first prize in the Terrier Bitch category, first in the Any Variety of Terrier Category and was named Overall Champion. And their 11-month-old terrier Caine took the first in the Any Variety Pup under 12 months and was named Reserve Champion. Mr Winder is planning to show Caine at Crufts next year.