The Show goes on

Support for both the event, and the industrial action leading to the fuel crisis, meant it was business as usual for the 201st show.

Last year crowds at the show swelled to around 16,000, which was described as exceptional.

Despite the country's chaos, this year's numbers were virtually the same.

Show secretary Rodger Read said: "People have turned out to support their local show in such numbers, there has been hardly any difference."

Taking Mr Read at his word, judges arrived, having been assured if they made the journey, fuel would be found to get them home.

"We managed to get hold of 50 gallons - don't ask me how," Mr Read told the Westmorland Gazette.

He had used his experience as South Lakeland District Council's emergency planning officer to cope with staging the area's biggest event amid such difficulties.

He fielded 500 telephone calls on Tuesday and Wednesday from people asking if the show was still on.

As soon as he confirmed the show would take place, both exhibitors and the public said they would support it.

"There is real Dunkirk spirit here today," said Mr Read.

The Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food was one of around 30 trade stands which were unable to make the event.

Agriculture minister Joyce Quin also sent her apologies.

Instead of inspecting the Crooklands showground, she was attending a Cabinet meeting in London.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins said he was not surprised crowds had flocked to the show, against all odds.

"I am constantly amazed at the courage and fortitude of farmers, who keep going in the face of ever-increasing adversity."

Mr Collins, who ran a showground surgery, said there had been "total support" for fuel price action and general agreement that the time was right to call a halt to protests.

"The government is shellshocked by the country's reaction.

It is now up to them to act."

Mr Collins added he would be calling for urgent action to treat rural areas as a priority in re-establishing fuel supplies.