OXFORDSHIRE Young Farmers welcomed about 1,000 people to their annual celebration of agriculture yesterday.

The Oxfordshire Young Farmers’ Federation annual county show and rally was hosted this year by the Enstone Young Farmers’ Club, in the grounds of nearby Ditchley Park.

Visitors to the estate got the chance to enjoy learning about crafts, see sheep being sheared and tug of war competitions for teams of men and women fielded by each club.

The main attraction was a parade of floats, each decorated by one of the six Young Farmers’ clubs around the county.

The trailers were designed around film themes, including Pirates of the Caribbean, The Jungle Book and Harry Potter.

Witney YFC’s float, inspired by Titanic, featuring an ocean liner complete with smoke-belching funnels, came out on top.

YFC members, aged from 10 to 26, displayed their skills and demonstrated farming techniques.

The show is hosted by a different club each year, with next year’s event due to be held in the Henley area.

The Oxfordshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs has almost 300 members across the county.

County chairman Sam Allen, 26, from Bicester, said: “When I woke up on Saturday, I was really worried about what the weather was going to be like for Sunday, but thankfully it was really nice. It has been a great day.

“It gives people a chance to see all the skills we have but also for everyone to have some fun.”

Enstone YFC chairman Kate Henderson said: “We were really lucky with the weather. Everyone I have spoken to has had a really great day.

“We have got to see so many faces and have been able to showcase a lot of our skills.”

Judith Fisher, from Aston, in West Oxfordshire, attended the show with her son William, 10, who is in his first year as a member of the Young Farmers.

He said: “It has been a really good day. I’ve had lots of fun.”

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