THERE was a fitting finale to the district’s agricultural show season on Sunday.

The Upper Redesdale Show took place in glorious sunshine in its idyllic location at Rochester.

And it was as popular as ever, with the traditional sheep show enjoying an increase in entries.

It was a good day for Dan Walton, of Wanwood Hill, Alston, whose his home-bred ewe lamb was crowned North of England Blackface Champion.

He said: “You don’t come with any expectations, but it was very pleasing to get a win. This is a home-bred ewe lamb sired by a £4,000 Prospect House ram. She has bonny legs and a good coat.”

Stewie Weatherson, of Edges Green, Haltwhistle, was reserve champion, while Selby Robson, of Otterburn, was awarded most points in the North of England Blackface category.

Robert Mackay, of Rothbury, had the Scotch-type Blackface champion, while his brother, Steven Mackay, had the champion gimmer in the category. Reserve champion was Derek Redpath of Kelso.

In the industrial section, entries were up by 300 on last year, with Kathy Scott winning the top honours for her plain baking and flowers.

In the dog show, Steve Griffiths of Powburn won best Border dog with his pet Fyfe. There were sheepdog trials, with competitors including new handler Susan Pearson, of Shilvington, near Kirkley Hall, who continued her impressive season alongside five-year-old Gelert.

In just her second year of open trials competition, Susan has been crowned champion new handler in the Northumberland Sheepdog Trials League and is in the running for the 2018 novice champion award.

David Henderson and Star were the sheepdog trial winners, with 100 points. Bevis Jordan and Cis were second with 85 points, while Keith Preston and Scruff were third with 84 points.

Despite the sunshine, there was a strong wind throughout the day, but it failed to spoil the enjoyment of children’s sports, Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling and other entertainment.

Show secretary Karen Gaukrodger said: “It has been a great day. Entries were up and there was a lot of interest in the industrial section, with some wonderfully creative entries in various categories.

“There were a lot of school entries, which is very pleasing. There was a bit of wind, but we’ve seen a lot of children and families here, and they’ve had a lovely day out.”