Gargrave Show is back in business with thousands turning out to support the 99th annual event on Saturday.

Foot and mouth disease led to the cancellation of the 2001 show, and while organisers decided this year's event would go ahead, DEFRA restrictions meant no cattle and sheep classes and a change of venue, to Park Field, off Eshton Road.

Nevertheless, more than 2,000 visitors flocked to enjoy the many attractions and the day was hailed a great success, raising in excess of £7,000.

"The showfield is a lot smaller than it is normally, but I think there is a nice atmosphere with everybody all together," said show chairman Cathie Cromarty.

"Everybody has made an effort to support the show as well as they can. We miss the cattle and sheep tremendously, however."

Show president Tommy Proctor, 87, said it was an honour to be elected, but joked: "I don't think they knew they were picking a Cumbrian!"

Mr Proctor, who lives in the village, has been taking part in Gargrave Show for 60 years, showing and judging the poultry classes.

He said he had enjoyed the day enormously, but added: "It is missing something without the animals. It's a shame, but it's all down to red tape."

Organisers couldn't have asked for better weather, and there was good competition in the horse, poultry, horticulture and handicraft classes.

Secretary Sarah Tennant said: "I think entries are down on previous years, but having said that the horses have had a tremendous turnout and the children have done well in their classes. The dog show has had the best ever entries."

It was a successful day for Gargrave's Jimmy Fitton, who entered 14 classes in the handicraft and horticultural sections winning six first places, five seconds and two thirds. His winning entries included raspberry and strawberry jam, lemon cheese, pate and various floral classes.

"I'm really pleased," he said. "I am usually chief cattle steward, but because there are no cows here this year I had my arm twisted to enter all these classes."

Vegetable judge Les White said he was surprised at the good number and quality of entries. He said the runner bean, tomato and onion classes were particularly good.

"It's been a bad growing season, but people have overcome it really well and most classes have had some support," he said.

The silver cup for the best vegetable exhibit went to Steven Hodgson, of Skipton, for his entry in the leek class. It is the first year he has grown leeks on his allotment.

"I have been doing this show for about four years and it is the second year I have won the same cup," he said. "The last time it was for onions."

The poultry classes attracted over 400 entries, slightly up on last year, said section secretary Brian Carlos. "We are very pleased, particularly with the eggs" he added. "The standard has been very good."

Mr Carlos made special mention of Cedric Riley, 86, of Cross Hills who took the prize for the best true bantam. "He has been showing pekins for over 70 years and he is still breeding," he said.

In the heavy horses section, top honours went to Richard Bedford, of Liversedge, who came away with three trophies.

Also enjoying cup success were Gargrave brother and sister Ellie and Joel Gorman, who took the cup for the most points in the children's handicraft classes.

"They have entered about six classes and have been working hard," said mum Pauline. "We are just pleased that they are sharing the trophy, it saves a lot of falling out!"

Reflecting on the day, Mrs Tennant added: "I think we have had a wonderful day considering it is the first time back after the foot and mouth and the public have supported us really well. The whole show is buzzing. It's been a good day enjoyed by all."

Now the committee is looking forward to the 100th Gargrave Show next year.

"It should be a bumper event," added Miss Cromarty.