A marriage proposal, a prestigious show jumping competition and the formal hand over to the new President of the Great Yorkshire Show, rounded off the final day of an exciting show.

As the 2017 event drew to a close Lord Middleton handed over the traditional Shepherd’s Crook held by the Show President to incoming President Bill Cowling.

Organisers say the show attracted 133,542 visitors over the three days including a record second day which saw over 20,000 cars fill the car parks.

The most prestigious show jumping class in the north, the Ripon Select Foods Cock O’The North, was won by Lancashire’s Nigel Coupe on Golvers Hill, the horse on which he took the Hickstead Derby just three weeks ago. Yorkshire’s Robert Smith took second on his own Ilton.

The final day saw Keighley army veteran Luke Davison propose to girlfriend Ashley Addy at the top of the big wheel as a plane flew over with a banner saying “Ashley Addy will you marry me”.

The answer from Ashley was a resounding “yes” and the couple returned to earth to be congratulated by delighted family members, including Ashley’s parents, two sisters and Luke’s brother.

Earlier in the day, the cream of the horse and pony showing winners competed for the Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship qualifier under the eagle eye of judge, well-known former jockey and trainer Jack Berry.

The title went to Dumfriesshire-based Mrs DP Staveley’s Connemara mare, Eastland Rashibrea, while reserve was Welsh Section D mare Horeb Undeg owned by GJ Schofield of Osset.

Show Director Charles Mills said the three day show had exceeded all expectations with record entries in a number of classes and some fantastic competition.

“Every year we think it can’t get any better, but every year it does. New attractions and investment in the show site means it evolves every year.

“We will all be looking forward to next year’s event and we would like to congratulate all our winners and thank all our visitors for a wonderful show.”