THOUSANDS of people showed their support for the farming community by making the diamond Bury Agricultural Show a record-breaking event.

Bury and District Agricultural Society staged its 60th show at Burrs Country Park on Sunday after the foot and mouth crisis forced its cancellation last year.

Chairman of the society Alan Booth said: "We had at least 10,000 people turn up on the day to show their support for the show and more importantly the farmers and the countryside."

He added: "It really was the best show we have ever staged. We took more money at the gates than ever before."

The thousands who turned up enjoyed an array of attractions. There were horse trials, a pet dog show, a horticultural show, arts and crafts competition, alongside which visitors were entertained by the Bacup Coco-Nutters, the Rossendale Dog Club Training Display, a vintage car show and a variety of stalls. The best stand in the show was won by Bury-based Volvo motor dealers Walker Farrimond.

Mr Booth enthused: "There was a real family atmosphere from the start. It really was a successful day. Everyone seemed to have a good time and were entertained all day."

So popular was the show, that the roads leading to the showground became gridlocked with drivers leaving their cars in residential areas.

"I can only apologise to any residents who were inconvenienced on the day. For some reason some drivers did not make use of the free car park on the showground. But this will be sorted for next year," said Mr Booth.

The day ended with a massive parade in the showground made up of all the animals and people who took part in the show.

Mr Booth concluded: "We were all so pleased with the day. Considering many societies seem to be disappearing it was good to see so many people supporting us.

"Even the farmers, who visit shows like this across the region, said to me it was the best they had ever been to."

Money raised at the show will be divided among local charities.