Thousands pack Lowther Show for one of key dates on Cumbrian calendar

Some 53 riders from all over Britain revealed some red-hot horsemanship when they sprang into action at the world-famous Lowther Horse Driving Trials.

An estimated 60,000 people travelled to the Lowther Estate, near Penrith for Cumbria's biggest country show held over three days.

Penrith's four-in-hand driving legend George Bowman and his team of Cumberland Cobs headed the list of Cumbrian competitors in the carriage driving spectacular.

Boasting a 40-year history, the event has always been a crowd pleaser and a firm favourite with Cumbrians - and within the Royal household.

Previous shows have witnessed the Duke of Edinburgh himself competing in the sport.

Delighted onlookers saw George Bowman, senior, together with several other members of the Penrith family score high in all classes, with the tricky cone driving event in the main arena bringing an end to this thrilling spectacle on the Sunday.

Local hero George has been national champion in horse teams a record number of times and has competed in more World Championships in his 40-odd year career than anybody else in the history of the sport.

Saturday saw the gruelling and challenging cross-country marathon, across the Lakeland fells, and including the spectacular river crossing.

Downpours on the Saturday morning didn't faze the crowds.

But Sunday's sunshine saw ice-cream vans and bars do a roaring trade, while spectators lazed and picnicked on the grassy hill overlooking one of the show's main rings and watched the thrilling horsemanship from the Pony Club sports.

While the older children went as high as they could on the bungee trampolines, or tried their hand at the crossbows and catapults, parents could buy anything from strawberries to sheepskin rugs, or learn about falconry and fly fishing.

In one corner of the showground the Lowther Fishing Island brought a little bit of calm.

Representatives and organisations from the Eden valley and the rivers Annan and Nith were on hand to answer any questions.

A fly-casting clinic for juniors was buzzing with youngsters eager to learn the skill.

Seven-year-old Tommy Nicholson, from Penrith, was just finishing his first attempt at fly-casting, already an old hand at 'spinning'.

Clutching his score-card, the youngster, a pupil at Stainton School, had just plucked up the courage to take part in the Junior Fun Fly-Fishing competition.

"I had to cast for the hoops," said Tommy.

Dad, Trevor, said it was the first time Tommy had entered.

He added: "He is the fisherman. He has not used a fly rod and this was his first attempt.

"He goes fishing a lot with me in the river Eden. He is learning to salmon fish. But this was a great opportunity for him."

The 250-stand shopping village - with merchandise of all types, copious food outlets and a vast array of wonderful side shows, such as the ferret show and Bryan Paterson's Wildlife Display- was deemed a huge success.

It was buzzing with happy shoppers all weekend long.

Elsewhere, visitors lined up to take in the dedicated BASC stand focusing on shooting and conservation and a survival camp and craft.

On the hunting theme, the Lowther Hound Show, was a popular attraction, but it was standing room only around the lurcher and terrier show ring.

While dogs of all shapes, sizes and colours relaxed on the grass, owners watched, trying to predict what type of canine the judge favoured.

Keeping order, seated at a table positioned under a gazebo, was one of the organisers, Chris Weaver, who said on the Saturday, which was their slowest day, there were 113 lurchers and 98 terriers competing for the prizes.

This was on top of a new addition of a whippet show, which attracted 120 dogs.

"Last year we had 639 entries over the two days.

"We have people travelling from as far afield as Doncaster and various parts of Scotland, as well as many Cumbrians and Geordies," said Chris.

"It's lovely to see so many healthy and clean lurchers."

Just then a last minute competitor showed up.

Bear the Lurcher was a mix of bull-greyhound and whippet, crossed with a collie and Bedlington terrier.

"A bit of everything," said the owner of the dog, which had a quarter brown and blue eye and a brown eye.

Helen Atkinson from York added: "She's a beaut. This is the show to win at, but there's huge competition."

A combination of old favourites, exciting new attractions and sunshine making a rare appearance on the Sunday made sure Lowther 2017 went down as one of the most enjoyable and successful events in its long history.