Last updated 12:05, Tuesday, 19 August 2008

THE promise of traditional Lakeland entertainment and a family atmosphere drew crowds of people to one of the region’s oldest agricultural shows.

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BIG DRAW: Some of the crowd (above) at Rusland Show REF: 0445865

They were rewarded with fine weather and hundreds of visitors to the picturesque Whitestock Meadow venue.

The event got under way at 12.30pm as a strong field of runners lined up for the gruelling annual five-mile fell race.

First home was Lancaster resident Sean Bolland, 35, who crossed the finish line slightly ahead of second placed seasoned competitor and past winner Paul Dugdale, 43. The pair had amassed a huge lead over their nearest rival on the course – Mr Bolland’s brother Brendan.

Muddy Paul Dugdale, whose wife Evelyn was the second woman runner home, said: “It was really hard work. Paul and I put ourselves under a lot of pressure out there and the pace was very fast. It’s a beautiful race to take on here at Rusland.”

Competitive spirit was alive and well for a series of 90-metre sprint heats and finals watched by spectators lining the outside of the ring.

Meanwhile, the judging of the fancy dress competition began with Charlotte Mallett, dressed as Snow White, being crowned winner of the contest.

Visitors to the showground also enjoyed a tour of the rural crafts marquee where children could try their hand at flour grinding, thanks to Heron Corn Mill, and adults could watch traditional basket weaving among the many stalls.

High standards in the stick carving section made for a tough judging decision, while the horticultural marquee was packed all afternoon as visitors viewed the talents of those who had entered the baking, floral art and horticulture classes.

A healthy turnout in the hound trailing section also had followers reaching for their binoculars to follow the pack around the course.

Show chairman Jeff Barker said the success of the event was testament to the hard work of the committee members throughout the year.

In a bid to keep the showground as mud-free for spectators as possible, they had even had all equipment for the marquees dropped over the hedge to save the grass, he claimed.

Mr Barker said: “It’s dedication like that which makes this show so successful. It must be very satisfying for them to see everyone enjoying themselves after their hard work. It makes it all seem worthwhile.

“This is a family show which is very important because we need to get young people on to these committees to carry them on for future years. That is such a crucial thing for rural communities like this.”