ORGANISERS and visitors alike were thrilled as hundreds turned out to celebrate the return of the Hawkshead Show after two years of it being called off.

The popular agricultural event returned to Hawkshead Hall Farm on Tuesday, and saw high-standard entries across cattle, sheep, equestrian and dog classes.

Those at the show, which was cancelled in both 2016 and 2017 due to bad weather, also enjoyed demonstrations, food and drink stalls and examples of agricultural craft from across the South Lakes and beyond.

Show secretary Sue Todd said: "I think the show has gone really well, especially since we have been called off for the last two years.

"It was always going to be difficult to come back after losing some momentum, and we are a little down on entries in some classes, but that is to be expected.

"The fell ponies were down this year, which is a real pity.

"A real positive is the number of people who have come to watch, and we really hope that they have enjoyed everything on offer.

"Although we are a small show, I think we offer a lot of variety. It is also a very local show, and it really shows what is available locally around Hawkshead.

"I remember when I was at school I used to come to this show when it was held in a small field in the centre of Hawkshead. It has really grown a lot since then, and it is lovely to see that it can still thrive."

The show enjoyed a healthy entry of horses and ponies. Bratlach Storm, shown by Anne Ireland, won the heavy horse classes, and C and D Braithwaite won best foal with Corney Mill Stanley Gray.

Lotuspoint Penny, shown by Miss M Fisher, was best Shetland pony, and Hannah Faulkner won best fell pony with Greenholme Heidi.

Clare Buckley, who was in charge of the sheep and cattle classes at the show, spoke about the high standard that had been brought from near and far to the show.

The Cookson Trophy for best sheep in show went to T.L.B and J Knowles, of Selside, for their Rough Fell ewe. Messrs Ladds, of Benson Hall Farm near Kendal, won the Brass Family Memorial Trophy for the best reserve.

Although there was no dairy class, the beef class in the cattle was strong, with the Society Tankard for best exhibit going to Taylor Charlton, of Skelton.

Mrs Buckley said: "Entries were a little down, but there have been some very good sheep and cattle on show.

"It just feels really good to have the show back. There are a lot of people here. Hopefully this is the beginning of a good run for the show.

"I think people like Hawkshead show because it is a real family affair. There is something for all ages."

Particular highlights on the day were the dog show and the horticultural tent.

The dog demonstration, in which the chasing, nose work and obedience skills of German Shepherds, Collies and Labradors was exhibited, drew crowds.

One visitor, Michael Rewson, from Ambleside, said: "I often come here for the dogs; both the classes and the demonstrations.

"I am not from an agricultural background myself, so I love the show for the way it shows what rural life offers.

"I am glad that the show is back and going strong again."