THE REDESDALE community was out in force over the weekend to support the summer’s swansong show.

Saturday marked the 125th Upper Redesdale Show in High Rochester and the event proved the old maxim that good things come in small packages.

Though compact, the showground boasted enough to keep visitors occupied throughout the afternoon.

A fixture in the area’s calendar for generations, the show has retained much of its traditional charm – the sheepdog trial, for instance, has been part of the event for over 50 years, with shepherds old and young gathering to chew the fat and watch competitors skilfully manoeuvre the sheep about the field.

This year’s winner was Tony Iley, from Longframlington, earning 82 points with his dog, Boo.

Tony said: “I’ve been doing this for 50 years; I love training dogs and the carry on between the competitors on the day is always fun.”

Standards were high in the sheep classes where, fresh from successes at Falstone and Bellingham, Steven MacKay took the rosette for champion Scotch type Blackface.

And hot on his heels was his six-year-old daughter, Anna, who took the top spot in the junior handlers’ class alongside sister, Amy (8), who came fourth.

Steven, from Dudlees, Otterburn, said: “This sheep has never been beaten in her class; she’s got better and better as the season has gone on.

“Anna and Amy are starting to show more of an interest in this as they get older. They picked their own lambs and they made good choices. I’m very proud of them.”

Representing the other side of the Border with the champion Northumberland type Blackface was Stewart Robson, of Toft House, Otterburn.

His father, Robert Robson, said: “This is the first year he’s shown her, so it’s nice to win when there’s such a good showing this year.

“I was chairman of the Upper Redesdale Show for a long time and it’s as good as ever today – it’s a lovely little show.”

In the industrial tent the community spirit of this tight knit community was clear in the quality produce that looked fit for a king.

Vera Scott, from Otterburn, proved her abilities in all areas to take four trophies for her cookery, handicrafts and flowers.

Vera, who is on the show committee, said: “My husband was born in the village and we’ve lived in the area for just about all our married life.

“I enter every year; it’s important to support the show and keep it going.”

Miniature star bakers, Seren Price (2) and Georgie Mettam (3), were the joint recipients of the Challenge Plaque for their efforts in creating cakes, cheese scones and a fruit and vegetable creature.

And after the firsts, seconds and thirds had been handed out in the industrial tent it was time for the dogs to have their day.

From working dogs to well cuddled pets, various breeds of man’s best friend took to the showfield, tails aloft for the dog show.

Border terrier, Buster, earned a hat trick by taking the top spot once again.

Owner Gordon Mackenzie, from Rothbury said: “This is the third time on the trot that he’s won champion terrier. I’m very pleased.”

The competitions continued throughout the afternoon with quoits, followed by children’s games, before the produce auction at the close of the show.

It was the debut year for new chairman, Selby Robson and secretary, Karen Gaukrodger.

Karen said: “It went really well; there was a good crowd and everybody enjoyed themselves.

“We couldn’t have managed without the committee and the helpers on the day –the show couldn’t run without them.”