The 150th Hawkshead Agricultural Show took place at Hawkshead Hall Farm near Ambleside on Tuesday, August 19.
The event showcased the best of farming, horticulture, handicrafts and artisan makers in the Lake District, with family activities on offer throughout the day.
A mainstay of the event, the fell race set off at 12pm, with 40 competitors vying to break the record set by two of the runners at last year’s show – Bobby Gard Storry (32:29), and Esther Livesey (44:04).
Following an 8km route, the first runner over the finish line was Keswick Athletics Club’s Mark Lamb, shaving two minutes off the record with a time of 30:15, coming in just ahead of last year’s winner, Ambleside’s Bobby Gard Storry at 32:25 and Wharfedale’s Chris Miller (32:32).
The women’s race was won by Lauren Munro Bennett from Ambleside Athletics who beat the female record by six minutes, finishing in 38:42, followed by Georgia Stevens and Esther Livesey coming in at 40:01 and 41:49 respectively.
Animal classes dominated the day, with hotly contested categories from rare breeds to young handlers and mounted riders.
Speaking at the grand parade, president of Hawkshead Agricultural Show, Jimmy Mallett said: “What a wonderful day, made better by the fantastic weather. Thank you to all our sponsors this year, your generosity is vital in keeping the show alive.
“Each year brings new challenges, but our committee have risen to every one, and maintained the spirit of the Hawkshead Show.”
Mr Mallett added that the most improved class this year had been the sheep, which had originated as a platform to showcase the Herdwick breed.
“Beatrix Potter showed her Herdwicks here in the 1920s and 30s,” he said.
“And this year the numbers for the Herdwick class were down, no doubt because the powers that be have decided to remove the breed from the fells.
“Farmers and Herdwicks are the custodians of the Lakeland Fells. We must hope that common sense prevails before Herdwicks join the list of rare breeds in this country.”
Visitors and their furry friends were encouraged to get involved with pet classes, children’s sports and a host of activities on offer including a petting farm provided by Life Between the Ears, an animal therapy organisation based in Grange.
Owner of Life Between the Ears, Jo Hales said: “It’s my first time at this show, and I’m so glad I could bring the animals here.
“I lost my dad at 17, and then my mum, and it was a lot to go through at a young age. I wouldn’t be here without the animals, they really saved me. I want to share a bit of that with other people.”
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A selection of memorabilia including newspaper clippings, photographs and show programmes were on display in the craft tent, exploring the 150-year history of the show.
The commentator for the Young Shepherds classes said it was vital to keep these traditions alive.
“It’s so important to encourage youngsters to keep rare breeds going, she said. “Bringing them to shows like this is a great way to reinforce what an important thing it is they’re doing with these animals.”