TRAWDEN Show celebrated its 18th birthday with thousands of villagers and visitors joining the fun.

Some 5,000 people descended on the recreation ground for one of the biggest agricultural shows in the North West.

As well as the traditional entries such as sheep and cattle, this year there were also donkey rides for children as well as a farmers' market.

Show chairman Neil Crompton said his personal highlight was the shire horse displays, which were a new attraction this year.

He said: "I have not had any bad reports. The weather has kept fine if a bit overcast. The rain has kept off which is important for an event like ours.

"It has been a successful day with people who have never been before saying they will definitely come back."

Pauline Crabtree, 34, of Hollin Hall, Trawden, attended the show with her son, Dylan, five.

She said: "It's a really good show. We are local so we like to come to support the village.

"The weather has been a bit cloudy but there was no rain. As long as there is no rain, people will come."

Dylan, who won second prize in a nautical theme painting competition, added: "I like the cows, sheep and the horses."

Other attractions included rural and adult crafts, vintage cars and tractors and trade stands.

The winners of all the categories and the vintage vehicles took centre stage around the main display area before the day ended in frantic style with terrier racing.

The show was originally launched in 1925 and was held on and off before it was reintroduced in its present format in 1988.