ORGANISERS have hailed a record-breaking year as thousands turned out for the Great Harwood Show.

The 147th instalment of the popular event yesterday saw more stalls and attractions than ever before.

And with it being only the second time around on the New Showfield in Harwood Lane, more people are believed to have gone along to join in the fun.

Geoffrey Hanson, who has been chairman of the organising committee for more than 40 years, said it had been a great day.

He said: “We had an all-time record for people turning out, which was brilliant. And we were lucky with the weather. It was unbelievable.

“We didn’t have a drop of rain. They were forecasting it but someone must like us.

“There were definitely a record number of people there as it is only the second time we have used this field and last year not as many people knew it was here.”

Mr Hanson said the event had bucked the trend and it just kept getting better.

He said: “We are going from strength to strength. For a small backwater show that is pretty good.

“You hear about so many shows like this being lost so we are quite pleased.”

Mr Hanson said the show would not be possible without the hard work of a dedicated group of people, and he added: “In particular I would like to thank Colin Heys and Rhona Westwell.”

The day featured a host of animals with awards handed out in categories including poultry, sheep, cattle and pigs.

The show also included a strong man competition, tug of war, ferret racing, dressage and dry stone walling demonstration.