A new attraction stole the show at North Lonsdale Show in 1996.

Large crowds gathered throughout the day for a close-up view of two ostriches, which were exhibited at the show for the first time.

The pair of nine-month-old females, which stood seven feet tall, were shown by Roy Cutts, who was pioneering ostrich farming at Stewner Park, Marton, near Dalton.

“We had a very good reaction from the public,” said Mr Cutts. “We are now being accepted by the farming community as it’s an alternative form of farming.”

Show secretary Brenda Edmondson said she was pleased to include ostriches that year. “I’m delighted to have them in the show to give it a different slant,” she said.

Sheep farmer James Airey won the supreme championship for his shearling Suffolk ewe. He also took other top awards, including best group of three and best pair of females.

Supreme championship in the cattle classes went to Aldingham farmer John Dennison and sons Stephen, Andrew and Michael.

Their four and a half-year-old Holstein dairy cow Grangehill Ivy scooped the top award and helped the Dennisons win several top cattle prizes.

Stephen, 21, said: “The family is very chuffed. We had a grand day. We last won the championship six years ago.”

One noticeable absentee in the competitions in 1996 was Ulverston great grandmother Dorcy Storey, who had been competing for the last 60 years.

Mrs Storey, from Edge hill, was unable to defend her private driving championship as her pony was taken ill.

Her family connection continued, however, with her five-year-old great granddaughter Lindsey Jackson, from Lindal, competing in the mountain and moorland rein classes.

It was a happy day for two young calf handlers. Kerri Cooper, 14, of Broughton, won the best calf handling trophy, while Joanne Mutton, 12, of Dalton, won the best handled calf trophy.