DAVE and Shirley Denford from Finch Foundry in Sticklepath helped to keep the traditions of blacksmithing alive and well by getting involved in a workshop at the show.

Shirley, a retail consultant at the foundry, said: 'Finch Foundry is the last water-powered forge in the country, so there's a lot of history there. Some of the methods used are the same as they were a hundred years ago. Days like today help preserve that history.'

Dave took part in one of the live competitions, where he had to make a table centre piece at the show within two hours. He made an elegant salt and pepper holder.

He said: 'There's a lot of competitions going on here today. There's the two hour competition, which I hope my centre piece can do well in. Also there's the crash and dash competition, where a blacksmith has to make a sellable item in half an hour.'

Finch Foundry were at the event to also promote the events going on at its foundry. To find out more, call 01837 840046.