Sheep took their place alongside showjumpers at this year's Bingley Show, which proved as popular as ever with visitors.

In a break from tradition, the show was held on Sunday instead of a Wednesday, to allow more people to attend and enter the competitions.

The show also returned to its traditional home this year, after a spell at the Bradford & Bingley Sports Club.

Thousands poured into Myrtle Park for the annual show, which offered something for young and old alike. As well as bouncy castles and motorbike stunts there were vintage tractors, crafts and flower displays with an emphasis on agriculture and horticulture.

Last year's event was cancelled at the last minute due to access problems but this year's show went with a bang - or rather a roar - as a high-flying stunt plane from the Skyshaw Solo Pits Aerobatics Display amazed onlookers with its loop-the-loops.

Despite overcast conditions in the morning, families flocked to the park to see the sheep show, cattle judging, dog show, horse events, goats, mice, handicrafts and wine making.

There were also a variety of stalls offering everything from bacon butties to flowers.

As stray balloons took to the sky, the sun gradually came out and shone on the spectators - many of whom took along picnics and settled down for the day.

The sheep show proved particularly popular with younger spectators. Two New Zealanders taught people about the different breeds with the help of their bleating buddies.

Joanne Harding, 19, who visited the show with her two-year-old daughter Chelsea, said: "It's been much better this year because I am usually working and can't get down here. Chelsea has loved looking at the animals - especially the horses - and we've made a real day of it."

Access to this year's show was improved by the opening up of another lane off Harden Road and widening the entrance from the Twines.

Teddy Wright, vice chairman of the Bingley Show Committee said more than 20,000 people had attended the event.

"Takings were certainly up 50 per cent on the last show and pre-show takings were also up," he said. The whole thing fell into place very nicely and many of the exhibitors said they were delighted with the way it had gone and would be coming back next year.

"I didn't hear of any problems with parking either. Pictured in the sheep ring are Paul Sykes and son Josh, four.