RECORD crowds packed into the 60th anniversary Tockwith Agricultural Show during an exciting weekend of events.

There were more than 400 competitions at Saturday's rural extravaganza at the showground at Cattal Moor Lane, Tockwith, including equestrian, farriers and shire horses.

Charity workers for Nuzzlets, who rescue animals for therapy and education, donned horse costumes to drum up support during the showjumping classes.

Show secretary Norman Waller said several thousand people attended the event.

"It has been excellent," he said.

"I'm sure it's going to be our record attendance."

The event was a special one, not only because it was the show's 60th anniversary, but because it was the first to be held on the permanent 25-acre showfield since it was acquired late last year.

In York, St Sampson's Square was transformed into a coliseum as fierce Hungarian gladiators battled it out during the weekend finale to York's Roman Festival.

More than 40 youngsters dressed in togas and helped to recreate Roman chariot races in the square yesterday. Pillars were also built and ancient bookmakers placed bets on who would win.

The week-long festival was deemed a huge success.

Co-organiser Keith Mulhearn said: "It has been absolutely fantastic. The gladiators really helped to excel the festival and the crowds were in awe of them. There was such a buzz in the city."

Meanwhile, the wacky world of dog flyball racing came to York Racecourse over the weekend.

York's only team, The Dog Friendly Flyball Team, were in action against competitors from all over the region. The event featured about 50 teams and between 200 and 300 dogs.

Flyball involves teams of four dogs leaping over four hurdles to trigger a box which releases a tennis ball which they catch and then return over the four jumps with the four dogs running in relay.

More than 100 residents living in the Walmgate area tucked into bangers and burgers for a community barbecue.

Organiser Maureen O'Hare, secretary of the Walmgate Community Association, put on the event in the Bretgate courtyard, thanks to a £150 grant from York Housing Association.

"It was a delightful event which really brought everyone from the area together," Maureen said.

"Everyone asked if we would put it on again next year."

Meanwhile, the four-day Pickering Traction Engine Rally which concluded on Sunday, was another huge success, with enthusiasts flocking from all over the country.

The event, held at the Malton Road show field in Pickering, included a dazzling fireworks display on Saturday.

There were many engines on display along with vintage fairground rides, classic cars and motorbikes and vintage commercial vehicles.

Other attractions included country displays, a craft marquee with demonstrations and stage shows.

Updated: 10:45 Monday, August 08, 2005