IT had been eagerly awaited for almost two years and this year’s new, improved Emley Show did not disappoint.

The show took place on Saturday at its new 150-acre site at Factory Farm, beside Emley Moor mast.

The change of venue followed repeated flooding problems at the former site on Litherop Lane, which forced last year’s show to be cancelled.

But after a damp start on Saturday , the sun shone down on the show and the rain held off again until the very end, when traders and exhibitors were packing up to leave.

The Savile family, who own the land, had given the green light for the move to the new site and the Hampshire family, who farm there, put in a great effort to prepare the site for the 14,000 visitors who came to see 14 marquees, trade stands and an array of new entertainment.

This included a Scrufts dog show, with prizes for the most handsome large dog, prettiest little dog and the dog with the waggiest tail.

There was also a dazzling display of acrobatics from Tamworth-based Kangaroos Gymnastics Display Team, a traditional Punch and Judy show, children’s rides, a climbing wall, a farrier’s demonstration, birds of prey, dry stone walling demonstrators and even a mini-ice rink.

Visitors were also kept entertained by Emley Brass Band and the Bourbon Street Roof-Raisers Jazz Band.

Despite the unusual attractions the show would not have been complete without the animal classes.

This year there was a new sheep section and new Jersey classes in the cattle section.

As usual there were a large number of entries in the horse classes, with shire horses, donkeys, show jumping and Pony Club games.

Other popular classes included the stick show, with more than 200 entries, which were exhibited next to beautiful creations in the wood-carving classes.

Smaller animals, including hamsters and rabbits, were on show, as were a variety of birds, from poultry to pigeons and colourful caged birds.

Tastebuds were tantalised by entries in the cookery, craft and art section and those with a sweet tooth flocked to see the honey section entries, plus a bee-keeping demonstration.

Those with green fingers were impressed with the fantastic and fragrant flowers in the horticulture section.

Youngsters were not left out, putting in impressive miniature gardens, artwork and cookery entries in the children’s section.

The new site and added attractions went down well with visitors.

John Davies, from Holmfirth, said: “I was looking forward to this year and I think the move has been a good thing.

“The view from the new site is fantastic and it’s been a great day with brilliant weather. I think all the new things have gone down well.”