Bumper crowd at Collingham Show

A bumper crowd enjoyed a slice of agricultural life at the 163rd Collingham Show and Ploughing match.

Those who attended were treated to a rare flypast from the world’s only two airworthy Lancaster bombers, which delighted the crowd as they basked in the warm afternoon sunshine.

There were record-high crowds, with estimates suggesting that around 5,000 people went along.

Mrs Lindsay Popplewell, the secretary of Collingham and District Agricultural Society, said she was thrilled the flypast had generated such a buzz.

“It’s been jam-packed this year, for the first time we’ve had to use the overspill carpark.

"It's amazing to see such a good turnout.

“Our hope is that some of the people who are here for the flypast will also enjoy what we’re putting on and will want to come back next year.

“There’s always a special atmosphere at this show, it’s a real celebration of country life that everyone gets so involved in.”

Scurry driving made its first appearance at this year’s event, which involves a pair of ponies pulling a carriage around an obstacle course in the hope of achieving the fastest time.

There was also the traditional ploughing match, as well as show-jumping and flower arranging competitions.

A bouncy castle, a number of stalls and plenty of refreshments were also available at the show.

With the weather dark and cloudy early in the afternoon, the flypast was put back an hour to 3.10pm.

One of those looking on was Johnny Johnson, 92, who regularly flew in the Lancaster bombers and is the last surviving Dambuster.

The Dambuster mission was a strategic aerial attack on German dams in the second world war which took place in 1943 and used a specially-developed bouncing bomb.

Mr Johnson, who lived in Collingham until 1986, said it was good to be back in the village to witness the spectacle.

“I’m very happy to be here and it’s great to be back in Collingham, I don’t remember going when I was younger but it’s quite a show they’ve put on and I hope it continues,” he said.

“The Lancaster bomber saved my life on a number of occasions and for me it’s the finest plane I have ever been in and I never tire of seeing it fly over.”

While the crowds swept in from far and wide, there were also a number of local people who enjoyed the day’s festivities.

Mick Scatcherd, of Balderton, was raising money for the RAF Wings Appeal, and said he hadn’t seen so many people at the event before.

He said: “I’ve been coming here for a number of years and this is the busiest it’s ever been, everyone seems to be having a great time.”

David Croft, of Collingham, said it was great that an event in the village could attract so many people.

“There has been a really good atmosphere here today and ther has been a lot of interest in all of the stalls, it’s really good to see,” he said.