The thousands of people at Broughton Game Show basked in sunshine and enjoyed the best of all things bright and Yorkshire on Sunday.

As always, it was a quality day out in a blissful setting with trade stands, entertainments and events cleverly spread through the hall’s sculpted grounds.

No cheap tat, no over-priced rides, just plenty of proper stalls offering genuine wares. Everything was there from ferret boxes and shooting kit through to high class country fashions and tooled leather belts with buckles cast by the owner.

The main ring hosted fine displays of horses, hounds, falcons and much more. Elsewhere, scores of beloved vintage cars and vehicles gleamed like they’d never gleamed before.

Gun dog displays drew good crowds, while other animal attractions included duck herding, sheep shearing, terrier races and a whippet show. There was also plenty of hands-on fun with archery lessons, fly fishing tuition, clay shooting, a climbing wall and that old favourite – the coconut shy.

As timeless music from a traditional steam organ wafted over the scene, some left early to watch the modern misery that is the nation’s football “team”. But only after all had witnessed true English spirit captured by the eccentric flight of fancy that is Broughton’s Birdman Challenge.

Chasing glory and £1,000, daredevil “fliers” hurtle off a ramp attempting to cross the estate’s wide, yet refreshing beck.

Box kites and even rocket power were used spectacularly to no effect – apart from delighting the watching crowd.

And keen to make his mark on Craven, Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith gamely picked up the gauntlet and took part.

“I’m not sure that I performed any better than the England team really, but I really enjoyed taking part and it was a great turn out for the event,” he said.

“I had been practising with my chicken wings and I thought they would power me across, but I think my heavy weight ended up working against them – I must lay off the cakes the week before if I ever do it again in the future!”

The event is jointly organised by the Grassington-based Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association and Clapham’s Cave Rescue Organisation.

Last year, it raised £20,000 for the two organisations, but this year’s proceeds are expected to be well down. Organising committee member David Aynesworth said Sunday’s World Cup match between Germany and England meant the turnout was down.

“We had a great show and everyone enjoyed themselves. The weather was perfect, but the World Cup meant that the gate was 60 per cent of what it was last year,” he said.

Mr Aynesworth joined MP Julian Smith in the Birdman Challenge. “I was a rocket man, with rockets on my back – it was great fun and Julian was a great sport to take part,” he said.

Meanwhile, the event is set to feature on television in the autumn on ITV. The Dales is being made by the same company responsible for The Lakes.

Results: terrier racing - 1 Ian Strigg with Toby, 2 Lynn Aldred with Rocky, 3 Dominic Haigh with Rocco; open dog racing - 1 Ian Lambert with Flash, 2 Anne Ardley with Knuckles, 3 Jason Sharp with Tia