THE Rede valley community came together to celebrate the end of the summer show season.

The Upper Redesdale Show, held in Rochester on Saturday, saw competitors travel from all over the country bidding to win the show’s coveted prizes.

A strong presence from sheep farmers across the North-East and beyond set up a fiercely competitive afternoon. This year marked the return of the Swaledale breed sheep judging after many years away

Rob Airey, of Otterburn, impressed judges to win the champion Swaledale trophy.

He said: “I have bred Swales all my life, and moved up to the region eight years ago.

“This is the first show I have shown at all year, and I’m delighted to have won the champion Swaledale prize.”

Elsewhere, Peter Turnbull won the Hexham Blackface Sheep championship.

In the industrial tent, Gary Mettam, of Lincoln, shared the prize for vegetables with Jim Scott.

Gary said: “This is my first show this year, and all my preparation this year has lead up to this. My wife is from the local area so it’s lovely to win this award.”

Show secretary, Karen Gaukrodger, said: “The weather turned out fantastic and it’s great to see so much going on in the industrial tent, the dog show and the sheep.

“It’s such an important event in the Rede Valley, and that is supported by how many people have turned up here.”