Crowds flocked to the Great Yorkshire Showground today for the start of this year’s record-breaking event.

Farmers in the Bradford district were among the 12,020 entrants taking part in the three-day show’s competitive classes, with eight of the 24 sections seeing their highest-ever entry figures.

Hobby farmers Rebecca Green and Gavin Haworth, of Skipton, were at the event with five of their flock of 50 Jacob sheep.

Miss Green, 27, said: “It’s a local show to us and it’s a really high profile show, it’s now the biggest show in England. We are here for the full three days. We are always finding something new to do. It’s a good way of promoting the breed.”

Martin Preston, president of this year’s Bingley Show, was at the Harrogate showground with his 11-year-old son Harry and five of their flock of 30 Zwartble sheep.

Mr Preston, who has been taking part in the show for almost 20 years, said: “It’s the shop window for agriculture in Yorkshire and people come from all over the country. It’s a get-together of breeders of many different breeds of sheep, cattle and pigs. It’s the biggest show in England and you have got to be here.”

Richard Priestley, 20, a farmer from Denholme, claimed third and sixth prizes for his Limousin cattle.

He said: “I’ve been coming for around 15 years. It’s a fun, enjoyable show and it’s a shop window for selling the cows. It’s a good way to socialise and meet a lot of friends. We see the same people back year after year.”

Show director Bill Cowling said: “We have records in eight sections – cattle, sheep, pigs, angora goats, poultry, pigeons, horse shoeing and cheese. We’re absolutely delighted as it is a clear indication of the high regard in which the show is held and our sales of advance tickets have been excellent.”

Among the thousands of visitors to the first day was Princess Anne who was presented with a white rose before being shown some of the animals entered in the show.

The event also includes the Great Yorkshire Cheese and Dairy Show, sponsored by Bradford-based Morrisons. Agricultural entertainment, show jumping, falconry and gundog demonstrations are also taking place.

Tickets are available from the Yorkshire Show offices and Fodder shop and cafe at the showground, at selected tourist information centres and Morrisons supermarkets.

Ticket prices are: adults £21, concessions £20, children £10, family tickets (for two adults and three children) £55.