RECORD crowds basked in glorious and long-awaited sunshine at this year's Tockwith and District Show.

Organisers estimate that as many as 7,000 people descended on the Bilton Grange site for the show, which is now in its 56th year.

But they were kept guessing by the weather until the day itself, with heavy rain falling during the days in the run-up to the event.

"We are highly delighted with what was a very successful show, and are already looking forward to next year," said show secretary Norman Waller, who admitted organisers had been anxious about a repeat of last year's downpours.

And Mr Waller paid tribute to this year's show president, Colin Farrer, who has been a member of the show committee for all 56 years.

A new addition to the livestock on show was the pygmy goat class, which attracted a lot of attention from the curious crowds.

The Ainsty Farms Direct co-operative, who started selling their locally-grown produce at the show last year, again laid out their stalls with sausages, cheese and organic goods.

Some of the proceeds from the show will go to the Wetherby Lions, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and local Brownies.

A full round-up of results will appear in tomorrow's Evening Press

PICTURE: Ben James from Tadcaster gets to grips with an automatic bull at Tockwith Show

Picture: Nigel Holland