THOUSANDS flocked from miles around to enjoy the many wonders of the 137th Great Harwood Show.

The warm Bank Holiday Monday helped to boost visitor numbers to nearly 8,000 - smashing last year's record of 7,000 and leading organisers to hail the day a great success.

Chairman Geoffrey Hanson said: "I don't remember the field being in better order and the conditions have been excellent. It's all been very straightforward. Everyone seems to have enjoyed it and it makes all the difference when the weather is fine."

There were all the usual treats on offer: Vintage cars, tug-o-war competitions, a shire horse display, martial arts demonstrations, and a range of delicious home-made snacks,

According to the tent managers, the numbers of competitors were as high as ever. But with folk travelling to the show from across the country, Hyndburn's own residents didn't do too well. In fact, the number of Hyndburn winners was dramatically down on last year's total.

Bill Bruce, poultry manager, said: "It's a bit of a shame but the local exhibitors aren't coming. In our tent there was only one winner from Hyndburn."

This was youngster Ryan Slater, of Accrington, who won first, second, third and special prizes for his hens.

Other winners included:

Light horse section - Christine Conway, of Great Harwood, on Smart As, best local rider; Antony Smith, of Oswaldtwistle, on Toby, horse and hound jumping, and bareback jumping.

Dog section - Mrs G Berry, of Accrington, 2nd prize in the Newfoundland post-graduate class with Simply Black to the Future; Mrs A Snowden-Hayes, of Great Harwood, Border Terrier post-grad class with Starshine Girl; Mrs K Copsey, of Oswaldtwistle, 1st in the Labrador Retriever Special Yearling class with Stormley Crafty Master with Rodenash; and Mr J Fletcher, of Great Harwood, 1st in the Bouvier des Flandres post-grad class with Avice Classy Claude.

Rabbit section - Mr G Walton, of Accrington, best English.

Cattle section - Mr Ian Pickup, of Great Harwood, best commercial owner and pedigree Belgian Blue; Tracey England, of Great Harwood, reserve champion.

Sheep section - Mr T Pickard, of Great Harwood, best female, best Shearling Yew and champion Derbyshire gritstone.