THOUSANDS of visitors travelled to Torver, near Coniston, for the traditional family-fun day at the Lakeland Country Fair.

There were events for everyone, including fell racing and dog displays for foxhounds, terriers, beagles, and lurchers.

Alison Bolt, secretary of Lakeland Country Fair, said: “We were really lucky with the weather.

“It was dry all day, apart from the wind which unfortunately prevented the falcon-flying presentation from going ahead.

“We try to make it as traditional as possible every year by having as many Cumbrian entries as possible.

“We had a number of different events including weaving, lace-making, junior and adult fell races, horn blowing and novelty dog shows.”

Traditional Cumbrian sports were represented with Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling and a fell race, which took place from the show field to the top of the Old Man of Coniston.

The young farmers from Boughton and Lowick went head to head in the tug of war, resulting in Broughton’s young farmers winning £60, which has been donated to St Mary’s Hospice at Ulverston.

Tom Simpson, of Ambleside, beat 39 runners to claim first place in the senior fell race in a time of 47 minutes, 27 seconds.

He was followed home by team mate Jack Wright (48-03) and Helm Hill’s Ben Procter (51-13). Bryony Halcrow of Harrogate Harriers was the first woman home in 1-02-33.

Lewis Bowness, of Helm Hill, won the Under 19 boys’ race in 13 minutes 39 seconds while Grace Tobin, Liverpool Harriers, came out on top of the under 15s race in just over 15 minutes.

Alex Holme, also of Helm Hill, won the under 15 boys’ race in 13 minutes, 55 seconds.

There were good entries for all the dog classes and visitors were also able to watch demonstrations of sheep clipping, spinning, weaving, lace making, felting, fly tying and swill basket making.

Once again the terrier racing proved to be a crowd-pleaser and a horn-blowing competition, with classes for men, ladies, children and professionals, finished off the day.

The organisers have received a number of compliments from both visitors and trade stand owners about the friendly atmosphere and the smooth organisation of the show.

Ms Bolt said: “We estimate around 3,000 people attended the fair which is fantastic.”