THIS year’s Falstone Show may have been overshadowed by the weather, but visitors said it’s the family-friendly atmosphere that keeps them coming back for more – rain or shine.

It would take more than torrential rain to deter the hardy folk of the North Tyne from having a good time.

With more mud than Glastonbury, the much-loved traditional show was in full swing last Saturday for its 131st event.

Although the children’s sports and tug of war had to be cancelled for safety reasons, visitors still enjoyed the offerings of a traditional country show.

The sheep classes got off to a good start, with Thomas Athey, Robert Mackay and Jimmy Ions the big winners on the day.

Jimmy Ions, of Thorneyburn Farm in Tarset, won the Challenge Cup for Champion Swaledale Cross for the third year running.

His sheep also came first in the classes for Blackface ram and Swaledale cross ewe.

“It’s great to retain the challenge cup title,” he said.

“I have been coming to Falstone Show for more years than I care to remember, but it’s still always a pleasure to win.”

Then came the turn of the sheepdogs and Bevis Jordan took the title with his collie, Angel.

There were also prizes for ‘dog that looks most like its owner’ and ‘dog with the waggiest tail’.

The winner of the hotly-anticipated fell race was David Hulley from Stockport Harriers; Nicola Roper from Heaton Harriers was the first woman to cross the finish line, after navigating the gruelling five-mile route.

Show secretary Gloria Armstrong said: “The weather was terrible but we all made the best of it. We are still pleased with the show, everything went smoothly except the weather.

“We think it’s the wettest show we have had since 1985. We are hopeful that next year will be back to sunshine. Everybody enjoyed themselves and I think the mud added to it.

“Those that were there will remember this show for years to come; it’s definitely a story to tell.”

As ever, the industrial tent was full to the brim with tempting treats.

Melanie Armstrong from Stannersburn had spent all day baking in preparation and her scones won her a first prize.

She said: “I come to the show with my family every year, it’s great. It’s such a lovely, family-friendly show and we will come whatever the weather, rain or shine.”

The industrial tent was also home to the children’s classes which included cakes, artwork and handwriting.

Emma Festing from Tarset was at the show with her daughter, Hope, who had won four of the children’s classes.

Emma said: “We love Falstone Show. It’s the highlight of our summer and we wouldn’t miss it for the world.

“Unlike other shows, it’s very uncommercialised and you get the impression it has been the same for years.”

Manning one of the 20 tables in the craft tent was Judith Lowes, from Hexham, selling her knitting. She said: “I have been doing this show for too many years to remember. I always like to come here; it’s the people and the lovely atmosphere thatmake it.

“The weather doesn’t seem to have deterred people; there’s a lot of local support for the show.”

It was the first time Lyn Boyle, from Rowlands Gill, had been to a show.

“One of our friends is doing the fell race so we have come along to support her,” she said. “It’s a nice little show and there’s a lovely atmosphere.”

Graham Bloomfield and his family were visiting on a week’s holiday from Essex.

He said: “We have been to shows before at home but we have not been here before. It’s a lovely part of the world.”

The Ukeleles played to a packed-out beer tent for most of the afternoon before the show closed with the auction of produce.

Smoking Gunns and the bar were relocated to the industrial tent, which was slightly less muddy than the beer tent, and the party carried on well into the evening.