UNDER the belting sun, hundreds gathered on Saturday morning to enjoy the 134th Falstone Border Shepherds Show.

There were plenty of entries in the competitive classes and it ended up being a good day for Haltwhistle’s Willie and Stewie Wetherson, who took the champion Open Blackface cup with their shearling ram.

Meanwhile, Alston’s Thomas Athey scooped the Texel champion with his his gimmer. The challenge cup for best hound went to dog Percy Landlady and his owner Robert McCarthy, whilst the title for Best Border Terrier went to dog George and owner Glenn Birrell.

Samantha Murray and Lady the Pomeranian were crowned winners of the dog most like their owner.

Makers and bakers showed off their skills in the industrial tent, which was filled with an array of arts, crafts, home-grown vegetables and home-made cakes.

Taking the top prizes on the day was Kate Elliot, who was was awarded Best Stick in Show in the stick dressing competition, and Kate Richardson, who won the challenge cup in the knitting section.

George Jeffrey was awarded the Special Flower Prize for his collection of sweet peas, and Malcolm Christie took the Special Prize for his three carrots.

Other attractions included the North Pennine Ferret Welfare & Boarding ferret racing; the Ferny Rigg Alpacas, which drew crowds, and the annual fell race and children’s sports competitions.

l More on page 26 and see www.hexham-courant.co.uk for a picture gallery.