FERRET racing, vintage vehicles, bee-keeping demonstrations, horse competition and, above all, a display of prize farm animals -- there was something for everyone at Great Harwood Agricultural Show yesterday.

It is one of the area's biggest agricultural events, and hundreds of animals were entered in a variety of classes at the showground off Balfour Street.

Now in its 134th year, the event is held in such high regard nationally that competitors travelled from all over the country to take part in the show.

Many of the major honours went to entrants from outside East Lancashire, including the cattle and horses sections.

But locals fared better in the poultry sections, with all the prizes staying within the area, including two to Mr and Mrs A Proctor, of Ribchester.

More than 400 dogs were put on display for the canine section of the competition, fought out under Kennel Club rules.

Although the eventual best of show title went to a border terrier from Bolton, many locals left with prizes for specialist sections.

Awards for the best boxer, samoyed puppy and any variety toy puppy all stayed within the area, much to the delight of the many locals who hung on until the very end to marvel at the area's canine talent.

Other sections, including the sheep and poultry categories, were evenly matched.

Organisers have held the event as a success, with the good weather attracting many daytrippers.

But they also pointed out that there were many other attractions other than the competitions, which appealed to visitors.

Geoff Hanson, one of the show's organisers, said: "We had a lot lined up to keep people entertained. Other things happening included a vintage vehicle section, which was a first for the show.

"We also had sheep dog demonstrations and the North Western Bee Keepers gave demonstrations throughout the day.

"The ferret racing made a return as well. It is one of the those days which has something for everybody which explains why it remains so popular."

Local charities also benefited from the day, including the Friends of Chernobyl's children, who raised money by holding a coconut shy. HAT TRICK: David Froggart of Church and his horse Boiling Point celebrate winning three classes: equitation, show hunter and riding horse GOOD CAUSE: Lesley Swinn of Great Harwood is joined on the Friends of Chernobyl's Children stall by her nieces Annika Swinn, 15, and Erika Swinn, 12, of Rishton 8

JUMP: One of the riders in action on the show field CANTER: A rider keeps her horse under close control RESULTS Heavy Horses - Shetland, stallion: E Barnes, Burnley; broodmare: J D Kay; foal: S Rawlinson, Cheshire; yearling: J D Kay; two-year-old: C Brown, Huncoat; three-year-old: Lyth family, Skelmersdale; pair of Shetlands: J D Kay; junior champion: E Barnes; champion: J D Kay.

Shire categories: yearling: E R William; two-year-old: E R Williams; baronmare: R Borsey; broodmare: P and J Woof, Great Harwood.

Rabbits - Best in show: Paul and Aaron, Clitheroe, with an Argente blue; best fancy rabbit: Mark Geldard with a black Himalayan; best Dutch: Edmondson and Baldwin, Nelson; best dwarf: Pendlestud, Clitheroe; best pet: Laura Howarth, Whalley; best junior: Laura Howarth, Whalley; best guinea pig: Laura Howeath, Whalley. MORE RESULTS TOMORROW