STIFF competition was evident at Launceston Show last Thursday, as cattle from across the Post area raked in the rosettes.

A family from Jacobstow, near Bude, was one of the exhibitors under the spotlight with their Beckaveans herd, belonging to Ada Brookes, as they brought along four South Devon cows and a bull, winning three firsts and a second to brighten up their boards.

Three of the youngsters had taken part in the junior handling classes, with 15-year-old Abi Marshall winning reserve champion, ten-year-old Bea coming second in her class, and seven-year-old Jack also taking part.

Emma Pullen, who was enjoying the show, said the weather had been an added bonus for them. She said: “It’s alright, not too bad. It’s not raining, and it’s not hot so just about perfect for us really.”

She explained that there is a lot of training involved for the animals before taking them to such a show, and said that their animals are ‘halter-trained’ as they live loose in a field. She added: “It takes a lot of preparation for a show like this but South Devons are a really friendly breed so they aren’t the hardest to train.”

With lots of colour displayed at their resting place after a fine day of showing for the group, Emma added: “Now we’re all off for a pasty!”