THE sun shone and thousands turned out to bring town and country together for the 149th Great Harwood Show yesterday.

Organisers were hoping when attendance figures were tallied up later this week, that the annual Bank Holiday Monday event would have beaten last year's 10,000 turnout and possibly even post a record.

Main arena highlights included The Accrington Pipe Band fresh from parading in New York and 'The Lamb National', recently a star attraction at Ascot racecourse.

Show president Geoffrey Hanson, who hopes to celebrate his 90th birthday and the event's 150th anniversary next year, said: "It's a lovely day and people are flocking in.

"It the first time for three years we've had good weather in the run up to go with sun on the day itself.

"We're hoping for a really good attendance, possibly the biggest ever."

His cousin Richard Hanson, who took over as show chairman from Geoffrey after his 50 years in the post two years ago, said: "It's looking like an excellent turnout, hopefully better than last year's 10,000.

"We have the biggest-ever attendance for the farming classes which have been steadily growing year on year.

"The show has something for everyone with a fairground, community tent and varied stalls.

"It really bring town and country together.

"This is the only proper agricultural show with competition ring in this part of Lancashire.

"It's important to remind people how much farming there is around here.

"It's also important to educate children about where their food comes from."

The pipe band seemed delighted to be back close to home after parading through Manhattan last month in the Scottish Tartan Day Parade, which since 2012 has been a fixture in their calendar.

Also in the main area at The New Showfield on Whalley Road were the ever-popular Lancashire Police dogs, the Xtreme Stunt Team, SMJ Falconry and the start of the Bowley Hill Trail Race.

After a two-year-absence, during which they starred in the Annual Prince's Countryside Raceday at Ascot, the Lake District-native Herdwick Sheep of 'The Lamb National' delighted the crowd with their speed and agility over an obstacle course guided by an experienced sheepdog.