ROBIN Hood and King John both made dramatic appearances at a blustery 206th Otley Show.

The historic duo wowed the crowds yesterday as part of The Stampede Stunt Company's special Magna Carta anniversary show.

That main ring spectacle, featuring all kinds of daring horseback feats from riders in armour and period costume, was just one of the highlights of a busy, but very windy, event.

The conditions didn't seem to impact visitor numbers, with the Bridge End Showground heaving with people by lunchtime.

And for some, like Otley Sailing Club, the conditions were actually pretty useful.

The group was offering, for only the second year at the show, to take people out on the showground lake - and attracting plenty of interest.

Committee member Matt Thomas said: "The wind's been a bit tasty, and actually near the top end of speed for what we're doing due to the gusts, but we've had a lot of children and parents taking part and haven't got anyone wet - yet!

"And there's been a lot of interest shown in our sailing courses."

Commodore Paul Karran added: "A lot of people have been having a go and it's a great way to raise the club's profile."

Elsewhere, visitors were clearly enjoying the displays of immaculately turned out Shire horses, pens showing all kinds of sheep breeds, a mind-boggling array of produce and the judging of prize cattle and poultry.

Children and the young at heart were spoilt for choice too, with zipwires, bungee swings, mini-quad bike races, a climbing wall, giant inflatables and Punch and Judy shows among the attractions.

Northern Hamster Club's tent proved a particular hit with younger children, while Otley Ferret Welfare's marquee and races were as well supported as ever.

Big crowds also gathered around to enjoy the likes of Ben Potter's birds of prey display, in the main ring, a tug o' war contest, a dry stone walling demonstration and The Sheep Show.

The sound of metal striking metal meanwhile, from the farriers' competition, mingled with the notes of mandolins, guitars and banjos from the Folk Music Tent whose bands kept visitors entertained throughout.

Otley Brass Band also provided a rousing backdrop to the occasion with their performances.

Show secretary Janet Raw, who co-ordinates the annual event for Wharfedale Agricultural Society, said: "It was windy but busy, and we were very happy with the turnout.

"A lot of people turned up to enjoy this year's show. I think most folk when they saw it was sunny in the morning, decided they'd come and just stuck on an extra layer of clothing to cope with the wind."

A new marquee for this year, meanwhile, Otley Chamber of Trades' Shop Local and Otley Prospers venture, attracted a lot of attention.

The tent was packed with information designed to promote Otley's businesses, and featured everything from a local martial arts group to a picture framing service.