THE village of Allenheads was once again taken over by the High Forest Show this weekend.

The popular show, which saw a fundraising campaign earlier this year to safeguard its future, took place this Saturday and featured a host of new attractions to bring in new faces.

Among the attractions were cooking demonstrations, a working blacksmith, and a fun dog show.

Show treasurer Sue Wardle said: "What a fantastic day – the weather was kind – lots of new faces at the High Forest Show this year. All the stall holders had a very successful day.

"Titu Ahad’s and Jill Weatherburn’s cookery demonstrations were fantastic and really well received – and everyone loved sampling the finished dishes!

"Visitors to the blacksmith’s shop were treated to a fascinating demonstration of this increasingly rare skill.

"As usual, the dog show was very popular, with a great variety of breeds. There were some real characters amongst them!"

It was a memorable day for Norma Spratt, who took home the Wheatsheaf Trophy for most points in the horticultural section, and the Sparty Lea Cup for the best collection of four different garden produce.

Norma also took home the Anne Linsley Salver and a limited edition High Forest Show Apron for her Technical Challenge entry of 5 eccles cakes.

Following the fundraising campaign earlier this year, which raised more than £4,000, the show's committee took the decision to open all the competitive categories to all supporters from far and wide.

In previous years, exhibitors at the show had to be from the local area, but organisers felt that they had to show their appreciation to supporters from far and wide.

Sue continued: "This was the first ‘open entry’ High Forest Show, and we were delighted with the increase in the number of entries we received.

"This year’s judges were extremely impressed with the quality and presentation of the entries, making for some extremely difficult decisions."