BURRS Country Park became a “hot spot” in more ways than one as around 6,000 visitors basked in glorious sunshine during Sunday’s 68th Bury and District Agricultural Society annual show.

A delighted society chairman, Mr Geoff Tomlinson said: “The show was absolutely excellent, just fantastic. The turnout was around 6,000 which was better than last year. We still had people coming in at 4pm.

“We think the increase in numbers was due to the fact that we had more attractions. Plus, the good weather always helps.”

Both the arts and crafts and the rural crafts marquees were full and entries in both were very good. The cattle and heavy horses classes proved particularly popular and Mr Tomlinson said entries for the donkey championship were “excellent”.

Visitors were also able to view a whole host of attractions in a bumper programme of events. These included a display from the Rossendale Dog Training Club, a horse-drawn ploughing demonstration and a side saddle display.

The show main ring also included a Holcombe Trail Hunt and a flying display by the Cuerden Birds of Prey, while other popular attractions embraced classic cars, “hot rods” and those brought along by Manchester Military Vehicles.

Mr Tomlinson added: “Obviously, it used to be a lot busier when the farming community was bigger. But certainly as far as the last 20 years are concerned, Sunday’s show stands up very well.”