EARLY on Saturday, the cafes in Masham were full of stallholders, exhibitors and visitors enjoying breakfast before the town's 21st sheep fair.

Roger Freegard and Brian Ruck from Worcester and Hereforshire have been coming to the fair since 1994. "You really feel the atmosphere at this event - it's a real magnet," said Mr Ruck.

The fair attracts people from as far away as Canada, and while there are many of the same attractions each year, there are many new ones. It is a truly local event, organised and run by willing local hands.

The sheep were a wonderful attraction to the knowledgeable and the curious. The preparation of each animal provided almost as much entertainment as the actual judging.

Mr and Mrs Hutchinson, who run a flock of 250 near Kirkby Wiske, have been exhibiting at Masham for all but two of the fairs. This year they showed shearling Blue-faced Leicesters, Mules and butchers' lambs.

Other local organisations were very active. Acorns School had organised activities like welly throwing, face painting and a balloon race which raised almost £600.

Masham Young Farmers and Kell Bank School provided welcome refreshments, and the Methodist church celebrated its harvest festival over the weekend. The church was beautifully decorated on a theme of colour.

The celebrations included a spud and pud supper on Saturday when the speaker was the Rev Gordon Gatwood.

Over the years the fair has raised more than £100,000 for local charities. The proceeds this year will be divided between the Dales Special School, Farm Crisis Network and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

TROPHIES

I'Anson Challenge Trophy, supreme champion: J L North. Elsie Metcalfe Trophy, reserve: B & M Watkinson. R F Broadley Trophy, supreme champion group of three: J L North. Bordar House Teas Cup, reserve: R Iveson. W S Rogers & Son Trophy, champion pen of fat lambs: M Brown. Swinton Cup, commercial fleece: Y Mudd. Mawer Salver, reserve: D Coupland. Sheep Fair Trophy, local exhibit (points): M Brown. Masham Auction Mart Cup, Masham: M & B Allen. BOCM Pauls Cup, Mule: A C Hutchinson. NEMSBA Tankard, reserve: M Brown. Tithebarn Trophy, Mule gimmer lamb: M Brown. Midland Bank Trophy, Swaledale: Messrs Close. Trident Feeds Trophy, Dalesbred: D & C Rambert. Grantley Sawmills Cup, Teeswater: A Fisher. Dodsworth & Sleightholme Trophy & CIBA Geigy Shield, Jacob: C Richardson. Brymor Ice Cream Cup, Wensleydale: Y T Mudd. Danby's Food Cup, Texel: J L North. Rudding Trophy donated R Newby, Texel group of three: J L North. Greg MacGregor Memorial Shield, Suffolk: P Lupton. Tru-test Trophy and G Blades and Son Cup, Oxford Down: D Coupland. J Hodgson (Masham) Cup & Hurrel & McLean Tankard, cross-bred: B & M Watkinson. Ripon Gazette Cup, points: M & B Allen. Masham Steam Rally 30th Anniversary Cup, Blue-faced Leicester: C & S A Hutchinson