One of the biggest country-pursuit fairs in the region weaved its magic spell – and attracted thousands to the stunning Lowther Estate, near Penrith.

Crowds packed the Lowther Show, which includes the world-famous Lowther Carriage Driving Trials, long favoured by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Crafts, competitions and some cracking canines added to the two days of Cumbria’s finest showcase of countryside living.

Clay shooters, gundog owners, airgun enthusiasts and falconers from across the UK made their mark, while families lazed on the grassy bank overlooking one of the show’s two main rings.

“This is our first time at the show for some years,” said Trevor Brown from Gosforth.

Taking a 10-minute breather on a conveniently-placed straw bale, Trevor and partner Denise Barwise were enjoying the sunshine along with their two dogs, Louis and Bentley.

“We tried to get on the Lowther Show camping site with our caravan, but it was full, so we have ended up at Pooley Bridge,” said Denise.

“I just love walking around, looking at the stalls. I’m amazed at how many there are.”

“There’s something for everyone, kids, horses and even dogs too,” she added.

Just then, one of the competitors in the much-celebrated horse driving trials thundered by at break-neck speed, on a course designed to please the spectators wherever they chose to watch.

The trials boast a 40-year history – and attract competitors from far and wide, including Cumbria’s famous horse driving family, the Bowmans.

Three years ago, George Bowman senior had to be airlifted to hospital after being involved in a showground accident.

He suffered head and chest injuries, but the carriage legend was back in the driving seat just two days later.

This year, George senior and three other members of the Bowman family were once again handling their carriage and four horses, scoring top points in all categories.

But the show is not all about horses for courses, as another show favourite is the Lowther Hound Show.

This year Cumbrian fell packs competed alongside hounds from all over the country, proving to be a magnet for young and old.

Barry Todhunter, senior fell huntsman with the famous Blencathra Hunt, was competing with his four-year-old fell hound, Grayhen.

Barry has been with the Blencathra fell pack for 45 years.

He said afterwards: “The crowds appreciate seeing the hounds. It is very much part of rural and Cumbria life.”

Still on the four-legged theme, spectators watched live action unfold in front of their eyes, when hopefuls battled it out in the Gundog Championships. Tallulah Dyson, eight, and sister Amelia, four, from Wiltshire, were excitedly waiting with their respective dogs, Willow, a tan-coloured labrador, and Pixie, a German wire-haired pointer, to take part in the junior championship.

It was their first time at the Lowther competition, but Tallulah is becoming an old hand, taking two thirds, a second and winning the overall to qualify to go through to the finals at the Midland Game Fair.

Dad, Philip, has been teaching the pair to work their dogs in the traditional scurries and working tests.

“We have to get our dogs to sit and stay steady. After the shot they cannot go until you tell them, then they have to jump a fence and retrieve,” said Tallulah.

“Tallulah has also qualified for a trial at Sandringham later this year,” said proud mum, Helen.

There were hundreds of exhibitions and family- inspired features. These ranged from the equestrian magic of Jonathan Marshall to the Ye Olde Redtail Falconry, as well as bungee trampolines, bouncy castles, crossbows and catapults, wildlife displays and alpacas.