WEST Cumbrians love a good show and we've all been missing them.

Eskdale Show has been running for more than 150 years and has always pulled in the crowds.

Like all the others, it had to be cancelled last year.

This year, the committee decided it was best to down size it - for one year only.

And so last month they staged a successful Shepherds' Meet with hound trails and a foxhound and terrier show.

The usual Lakeland show has classes for Herdwick sheep, foxhounds and terriers, poultry, vintage machinery and vehicles, handicrafts and cookery.

These run alongside hound trails, where trained hounds race follow the scent of aniseed over the surrounding fells, children's sports events, traditional wrestling and challenging fell races.

A spokesman said: "Tensions can run high as the sheep judging begins, but with a beer tent on site the day is a time of celebration.

"Acquaintances are renewed and new friends are made as the show is well attended by locals and visitors alike.

"Links to the past are maintained with displays of old farm machinery and engines, together with displays of traditional crafts.

"With plenty to keep the kids amused and a tent full of tea and marvellous cakes this really is a day out for all the family."

The last full show, in 2019, was a huge success.

Anne Fox, one of the organisers, said: “We were so blessed with the weather, after a couple of early showers the sun came out and so did the crowds, we had a fantastic attendance which made for a great day.

“There was a terrific show of Herdwick sheep and a display of photographs of last year’s 150th show also proved popular.

“The industrial tent had fantastic entries which is always well admired with the public."

Everyone is looking forward to full show days resuming next year.

In the meantime, we've had a look through our photo archives and come up with a selection of photos we reckon really capture that fantastic show spirit.