The 2010 Weeton Show has been enjoyed by the largest crowds for several years – despite the distractions of a rogue chicken.

Thousands of people flocked to the annual agricultural and horticultural event last Sunday when fine weather helped them appreciate the wide variety of horses, dogs, pets, poultry, sheep and vegetables on display.

Visitors also enjoyed viewing an impressive array of arts and crafts entries, while in the main ring international dressage rider Cathy Burrell wowed the crowds with a masterly demonstration of equestrianism set to music.

Weeton & District Agricultural & Horticultural Society chairman David Beresford was delighted to see gate receipts up by 50 per cent on last year.

He was also relieved to see the rest of the show go so smoothly following a less than ideal start when his pet chicken, Elsie, had escaped.

She spent the rest of the day wandering around the show fields and was finally captured by seven-year-old Daniel Farrar as proceedings came to a close.

Mr Beresford said: “This year’s show has been fantastic. The weather was kind, the visitors flocked in and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

“Our valuable team of volunteers work hard every year to try and make the next show even better.

“The bar and buffet tents were busting at the seams with visitors enjoying the Daleside Weeton Wiggle, and music was played in there by the Tradtastic jazz band, who lifted the mood as everyone sang along.

“Once again the Guiseley Silver Band, which has kindly played at Weeton Show for more than 25 years, played throughout the day.

“The children’s corner, which is provided to allow children to get out of the sun or rain and enjoy free activities, was hugely popular again.”

Other popular attractions on the day included demonstrations by the Tailwaggers dog agility team and Claro Beagles, along with a lurcher display.

Overall sheep champion prize went to the Walmsley family, while judge Martin Grayshon gave the lamb young handler prize to Thomas Walmsley.

Horse entries had nearly doubled this year, ensuring that all four show rings were busy throughout the day and the Tiny Tots showjumping event, new this year, proved a huge success.

Organisers were also pleased to see a good turnout of carriage drivers, with Mrs R Mills and Oakvale Rowan taking the Matthew Dalton Championship Trophy home.

The popular heavy horses competition saw Mr Clough and Dothan Ruby, from Lancashire, win the George Buckley Trophy for overall champion.

The Rougemont Chase was also well attended, with first male prize going to Martin Archer and previous winner Pauline Munro taking first lady again.

For more details on the show visit weetonshow.com.