Organisers have hailed this year’s Great Yorkshire Show as a huge success marked by scorching temperatures and huge crowds.

It is thought 130,000 people flocked to the three-day event in Harrogate, which ended yesterday – meaning visitor numbers will come close to breaking the 2006 record of 135,111.

Temperatures soared to about 27 degrees on the first day of the 155th annual show - unlike last year’s show, which was called off due to heavy rain – ensuring the new £500,000 weather-proofing measures were not needed.

Show director Bill Cowling said: “It has been a very successful show and the weather has helped immensely. Although we haven’t needed the weatherproofing, it is an investment for the future.”

The announcement that two champion dairy cattle were being investigated over claims of a banned substance being injected into their udders was the only cloud to shadow the show on Wednesday.

If the results from the ongoing investigation come back as positive, Mr Cowling said the winners would be stripped of their prize money. “It is disappointing, but overall it has been a great show and we are delighted to be back in full force.”

This year there were 1,100 trading stands while 12,000 animals were entered in various competitions.

Visitor Laura Bryan, of Thirsk, said: “It is one of the biggest attractions of the year and it did not disappoint. The weather made it an amazing day and I cannot wait for next year.”

Sam Preston, of Ripon, who went on Tuesday, said: “The sheep shearing was the highlight of the day for me, and the weather of course.”

Askham Bryan College student Kate Millington was awarded as one of the best agricultural students in the region.

Susan Cunliffe-Lister, president of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, presented medals to Kate and four other college and university students for their commitment to agricultural learning.

Meanwhile, 24 farm workers and others in involved in agriculture received long-service awards for their contribution to farming, totalling 1,097 years between them.

Of these George Harrison, of Wrelton, near Pickering, Jeff Hartas, of Great Ouseburn, Peter Horton, of South Milford, Michael Knaggs, of Malton, John Plaxton, of Sheriff Hutton, Andrew Stainsby, of Malton, Joe Warrior, of Ainderby Quernhow and Philip Wright, of Sherburn-in-Elmet, racked up 335 years between them.