THE rain certainly didn’t dampen spirits of the 9,000 people who flocked to the 2009 Emley Show.

Families, animal lovers and visitors attended the annual agricultural show, now in its 91st year.

The numbers this year were down because of the weather.

The early morning rain cleared for a few hours in the afternoon before it returned again towards the end of the show.

Organisers estimated that around 9,000 people, including many families with young children, watched the horse, sheep and dog shows.

Among them were tourists from America and Sweden who joined thousands of local families at the showground under the landmark Emley Moor Mast.

Little Lilly Partridge, three, of Linthwaite, was kitted out in her wellies as she looked at the sheep.

Her dad Mike and mum Liz, both teachers, said: “We’ve heard so much about shows like this but it’s our first and Lilly has loved it.

“Even though we don’t keep animals the breeders have let her get close to them and told her about the sheep which was great.”

Marquees housing animals ranged from poultry and hamsters to sheep and horses.

David Barber, of Stainland, said: “I don’t show anymore, but this was always a good place to come because of the variety of people it attracts.

“Emley has always been a great show – it’d take more than a few spots of rain to spoil it.”

But it wasn’t just the animal classes – there was everything from karate to drystone walling to watch.

Emley Brass Band got things into full swing by entertaining visitors while the Bourbon Street Jazz Band got people dancing in the mud.

Molly Cundy, treasurer of Emley Show, committee said: “We are a bit disappointed with the weather because it meant numbers were considerably down on what they would have been if it was a sunny day.

“The show went ahead and it was wonderful

“People put in so much effort and those who did attend enjoyed it I am sure.”

Watch a video of Emley Show at www.examiner.co.uk