FEARS that last month’s torrential rain could have caused Ryedale Show to be cancelled were forgotten yesterday when the 146th show went ahead with a record attendance and entries – and in the sunshine.

After organisers held a crisis meeting ten days ago and decided to go ahead, their confidence was rewarded with what they believe was probably the best show ever.

Pat Harrison, who masterminds much of the organisation as assistant to the general secretary, said: “Everything has gone well – and we’re delighted. We did have some anxious days when the weather was bad, but the investment the show committee has put into improving the drainage system paid dividends. As a result the ground was perfect.”

Virtually every section of the show had entries up on previous years and in some cases records were broken.

President Peter Woodall said: “It’s been a brilliant show. The weather was in our favour throughout the day despite forecasts that it was going to rain by mid-afternoon. We had a great success on our hands.”

Coun Eric Hope, Chairman of Ryedale District Council, said: “It was a marvellous day. The show generates so much interest from such a wide area and must be one of the top agricultural shows in the north. It’s a splendid way to promote the farming industry in Ryedale and must have a big economic benefit for the district, both on show day and in the weeks ahead.”

Thirsk and Malton MP Anne McIntosh toured the show, talking to farmers and leaders of the agriculture industry. “The show is a wonderful celebration of the Ryedale countryside and farming,” she said.

“It was good to see it be such a success after the disappointment over the Great Yorkshire.”