Wedding bells ring in first day of Great Yorkshire Show

Love was in the air on the first day of the Great Yorkshire Show, as a couple tied the knot in the forestry section. Peri Dunford and Mark Jones are regulars at the annual event and said they could think of no better place to say their vows.

"We just come and we love it," Ms Dunford said.

"It's been fantastic, everything has been perfect."

This time last year, she got down on one knee while Mr Jones was 100ft (30m) up in the air during the show's pole climbing competition.

The couple, from Garstang near Preston, returned this year to get married but will be working their horses there until Friday.

Mr Jones said it was originally going to be a quiet affair but grew when more and more people wanted to be involved.

"It's just us, isn't it?" he added.

Ms Dunford takes part in the horse logging demonstrations and her working horses served as her bridesmaids for the occasion.

"They are my babies," she said.

"We're going to go and hide and have a drink and then we're going to get changed and work the horses this afternoon."

After the show is over, the couple are due to honeymoon for a month in Iceland and Norway.

Show director Rachel Coates said: "Although this is not the first wedding we have hosted during the show, it is in a unique location which is completely appropriate for a couple with such strong links to our forestry section.

"We are honoured that they have chosen this space to tie the knot, and we wish them a long and happy future together."

The 166th Great Yorkshire Show is also a special event for Ms Coates, who is its first ever female show director.

"It's a job to do whether you're male or female but it does make it extra special being the first female one. It's a really great honour," she said.

The dairy farmer has been coming to the event since she was a teenager but said there was "always something new and something to learn".

For the last 20 years, her family has shown cows there and her son is showing this year.

"I love the show, I'm absolutely besotted by this place," Ms Coates added.

"When I come to the showground, even now, I get buzz from it. It is my happy place."

As well as a mix of breed shows, classes, food and entertainment, Farmers Weekly hosted a Britain's Fittest Farmer competition.

Chelsea Dale, from the magazine, stood by as men and women flipped huge tractor tyres, lifted sandbags and pulled Volkswagen trucks.

"This is what farmers do all day, everyday, so they might as well show it off here," she said.

"It's a beautiful show to be in and there's such a great crowd and surroundings."

Although the competition focuses on physical challenges, it was set up to promote the mental health of farmers.

"It can be very isolating," Ms Dale added.

"Going to the gym with your mates builds a community."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.