IT takes more than a drop of rain to stop Westmorland! Tremendous team spirit and a “never-say-die” attitude helped pave the way for what can only be described as a fantastic 2009 Westmorland County Show was how organisers describe the event on the show website.

That year saw the show season begin with uncertainties over livestock classes due to bluetongue restrictions and what turned out to be the wettest summer in record, which led to many events being cancelled.

But Westmorland County Show Society said thanks to the tireless efforts of so many and the additional infrastructure investment, including almost two miles of temporary metal tracking, the show went on, attracting an all-time record crowd of 25,500, who flocked to the Crooklands showground.

The cattle section boasted record entries of 440, including new Young Handler classes, and a new competitive Alpaca section and the country's first short-fleece halter show, attracting 64 entries.

Although every horse box had to be pulled onto the field, entries were strong in the Ligh Horse section, which included Veteran classes for the first time. Unfortunately Showjumping fell victim to the soft ground, but the Grand Parade made a return, complete with champion pig and alpacas!