IT’S a fine, dewy morning in Harrogate and crossed fingers have been blessed with no sign of the recent monsoons.

In the early sunshine, Deb Smith is brushing her two-year-old Allerston Blonde bull, Eli, before he makes his first appearance at The Great Yorkshire Show.

It’s a familiar scene across the showground and tension mounts as Deb leads Eli into the ring. The judges seem impressed, and when all entries have been scrutinised, Deb receives news she can hardly believe.

Eli has won first prize.

Then the stewards change their mind and he is downgraded to second place. Deb looks disappointed “It happens,” she says reflectively. “That’s judging for you.”

Meanwhile, the car parks are filling quickly and it’s not even time for breakfast. Looks like the fine weather will draw a bumper crowd this week and organisers are hoping this year’s show will even beat last year’s record numbers. And the signs are good. Competition classes are at an all- time high, with almost 13,000 entries ranging from cheese to cattle and goats to gardens.

Bill Cowling, honorary show director, said it is a wonderful achievement. “This is a terrific endorsement of the popularity and importance of our show,” he said.

“Once again it’s a case of quality and quantity.”

Competitors have come from across the country and there are even sheep shearers from New Zealand. Making her debut shaving ewes was TV celebrity Kirstie Allsopp, who spent the first day learning country crafts as part of an upcoming Channel 4 series.

Expert shearer Roger Charnley, from Grassington, was on hand to show her the ropes, and after a shaky start, Kirstie looked a natural.

On a more sober note, there were mutterings among farmers. After a tricky year with droughts and food scares, many were incensed that agriculture ministers failed to attend Britain’s premier event to listen to their concerns.

But as long as the rain holds off, there is plenty to keep the rest of us happy at the show and, of course, today is the big crowd-puller with Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall attending.

Not that Deb Smith and Eli will be that bothered. They’re already planning for next year’s show and that elusive first prize.