ONE of East Lancashire’s longest-running agricultural gatherings has a new collection of fans from North West Germany.

Young explorers from Marl, Pendle’s twin town, stopped off at the Trawden Show to sample a slice of countryside life as part of a five-day trip.

And they were not alone, as the day-long attraction was on course last night to top the 9,000 who attended in 2015.

Tim Bartsch, spokesman for the seven-strong German delegation, part of the Bonds Beyond Borders project, said: “It’s a lovely place, with some great landscapes.

“It’s a little bit different from Marl, which isn’t that green at all. But we’ve had a great day because there’s plenty to see.”

Elsewhere the show, now in its 27th year, played to its strengths, featuring everything from rare livestock breeds to vintage tractors, heavy horses, bale tossing and equestrian events.

David Hodgson, the main ring manager, said: “We’ve had a decent turnout already and we’re opening up the overspill car park early.

“We have always tried to keep agriculture as our main basis and it has always worked well for us.

“There are around 50 of us on the committee and a lot of hard work goes into putting this on.”

One favourite, the fell race, was again popular, attracting 130 entrants. Chris Miller, of Harrogate, and Sarah Tipler, were the first pair home, with Chris Davies, of Blackburn, and Susie Pedder, from Trawden, triumphing in the Veterans 40 section.

Colne Horticultural Society, which hosted the exhibits tent, was using the show to attract new members.

Now in their 101st year, president John Gott said they needed people to keep their traditions going.

“There have been a lot of good comments about our exhibitors this year but we are always struggling for new members,” he said.