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Chronicle Live
National
Kali Lindsay

Alpacas, camels and giant tortoises: Thousands of families enjoy day out at Northumberland County Show

Alpacas, giant tortoises, and camel racing proved a hit with visitors to Northumberland County Show.

The annual event is one of the biggest days on the social calendar and regularly attracts more than 30,000 people, and this year was no different as the sun shone down on the showground at Bywell, near Stocksfield.

Families could be seen admiring the prize winning animals, while the Aldabra giant tortoises were popular, and youngsters were seen sitting on tractors, fire engines and milking a cow - albeit fake.

READ MORE: 1990's dance music festival set to bring international DJs to Northumberland

The fun fair was in town, and those looking to browse the stands could find an array of local produce in the tent.

One of the biggest crowd pleasers was Joseph's Amazing Racing Camels, which made an appearance in the George F White main arena.

They travelled with their owner, Joseph Fossett, all the way from Warwickshire to keep the crowds entertained.

Sarah Marshall, 29, and her friend Ceri Storer, 28, enjoyed viewing the live stock that was on show.

Sarah said: "Just seen a bit of the camel racing that is obviously unique. We like the live stock and cattle, we are just going to look at the sheep.

"It is only half and hour away and a good day it out, it has a good atmosphere."

(Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)

Charlotte and Mark Matthews, from Sunderland, were enjoying a family day out with their seven-year-old son Noah.

Charlotte, 40, said: "It is the first time we have ever been to one. There is lots to do and plenty to see and stroked lots of animals, ate the donuts - and it has been lovely weather."

Mark said the ferries wheel and alpacas were particular highlights, adding: "It has been spot on."

Lucy Knutsen, 11, said the show was the "best thing ever" and the best bit was conquering the wall.

She said: "Even though I only climbed two feet. The biggest tortoise was 37 and it was huge.

"I liked the camels as well - they had giant humps."

She was there with her dad Allyn Knutsen, 45, and her grandmother Irene Knutsen, 67, all from Newcastle.

Irene said: "We are going to see the lamas and see the pigs, sheep and cows."

Allyn added: "We have been lucky with the weather."

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