SUNNY SKIES greeted visitors to the 87th Arthington Show last weekend after a less than promising week of weather.

Only the occasional dark cloud threatened to break on what was otherwise a beautiful day on Sunday.

Vintage tractors, show jumping, a huge variety of horse and pony classes as well as dog shows drew 6,000 visitors to the showground.

The crowds were entertained by music provided by the Knaresborough Fiddle and Accordion Society and the Rawdon Park Twirlers danced their debut show performance.

The 27 girls, aged three to 11 and who train at Benton Park School, performed twice during the day.

Zoey Flescher, leader of the twirlers said: "We have been practising for this display since the beginning of the year and are now preparing to take part in the British Championships.

"It's great to get the girls out in front of an audience and they really enjoy it.

"It's our first time at Arthington Show - it's a great place to come."

Show President Edward Joce had the unenviable task of judging the children's pet class.

With entries ranging from a hamster to a hen, it was no easy decision.

Mr Joce said: "It was certainly not easy to decide, we have had a good turnout this year."

But finally prizes were awarded with first going to Staffy the rescue dog, entered by ten-year-old Jessica Digham. Owner Mary Moor from Pool Bank said: "It's wonderful for her to win this. When we got her 18 months ago from the RSPCA she had been starved and beaten. She's 11 years old now, so it's great for an old dog to win."

The Hamilton family from Greenacre Park, Rawdon was enjoying their day after entries into several classes at the show left them flush with success.

Six-year-old Felicia Hamilton entered her boxer dog Millie into the children's pet class and proudly walked away with second prize, while 13 year-old Octavia Hamilton took prizes in designing a CD cover, writing, and decorating a digestive biscuit.

Sandra Hamilton said: "It's been lovely. We came to the show last year and after how well we've done we will definitely be back next year."

The hot dog and crusty pie stalls did a roaring trade as the crowds settled down to watch working hunter classes, the heavy horses section and some impressive show jumping.

Meanwhile in the horticultural tent there were plenty of unusual displays to keep browsers interested.

Delicate rose buttonholes and huge home-grown vegetables showed the greenfingered skills of all the entrants, while the decorative classes revealed their creative side.

Decorated digestives, vegetable people and miniature gardens were just some of the more artistic classes.

Show secretary Sheila Dickenson said: "It was lovely. I was amazed by how busy it was. I think we had at least 6,000 visitors but the weather helped of course.

"We had lots and lots of entries in many classes and one of the new classes this year - the working hunter class - was very well supported. We will definitely have it again.

"This year we had a new trophy from Aireborough Waste Traders Sands and Skips for show jumping.

"It's a lovely trophy and it's really nice when local people sponsor and support us."

"I would like to thank all the sponsors, committee members and volunteers and anyone else who helped out on the day.

Anyone interested in helping on the show committee should ring Sheila on (0113) 275 9335.