Keighley Show bosses’ hopes were realised today.

After the deluge of yesterday, the rain stayed away for the annual extravaganza at Marley playing fields.

And the fine weather encouraged visitors of all ages to turn out.

Organisers had appealed for public support after the disappointment of last year, when the event was cancelled due to the saturated state of the showground following the wettest summer for years.

“With all the rain and wind when we were setting up yesterday we feared the worst but it’s cleared up nicely,” said show secretary Katrina Thackray.

“Entries are down in the cattle section this year, but that has been reflected at all shows. Otherwise numbers are good.”

The show, the 56th, featured more than 500 classes.

Traditional agriculture-themed sections included tractors, cattle, sheep, pygmy goats and horses, plus show jumping.

But there was a huge range of other classes, from horticulture and handicrafts to ferrets.

And the line-up of attractions included a chainsaw carver, birds of prey, alpacas, terrier racing, a theatre group, Haworth Band, children’s rides and games, numerous stalls by charities and organisations, and trade stands.

Keighley Bus Museum Trust once again provided a free bus service linking town centre locations and the showground.

* Don’t miss next week’s Keighley News for a full report and photo special