Now a well-established part of the show, 2009 was a good year for the pet show, organised by section secretaries Karen Andrews and Fiona Butler with the help of steward Ros Hayes and judged by the vet Brian Heal.

Todmorden Carnival Queen Jodie Richardson and Carnival Princess Careese Poole were on hand to present trophy winners with their prizes.

“We have done very well this year with about 35 entries,” said Karen. “There has been a good mix of pets with many rabbits and some nice hamsters. We have also had some Polish chickens too. The children have done very well.”

The winner of the Maureen Cryer Special Award for five to 10-year-olds class was Ben Cook with his hamster Patrick, while the Trevor Cryer Special Award for the 11 to 15-year-olds class went to Codie Farrell with her hamster Lumpy.

The S. and V. Greenwood Memorial Trophy for the most unusual pet was won by Sam Bargh and his African land snail, Brian. The Shona Fern Cup for the best rabbit was won by Kara Ali with her rabbit Shallang.

The Trevor Cryer Cup for the best rodent went to Kerry Hancock with her hamster Nibbler and the Maureen Cryer Cup for the best guinea pig went to Kate Harrow with Bubbles.

The Bill and Elsie McCrate Cup – organisers’ decision – went to Lucy Howard with her guinea pig Patch.

Section results were as follows.

Five to 10-year-olds: 1, Ethan Abbott with rabbit Patrick; 2, Destiny Oxley with guinea pig Silver Surfer; 3, Freddie and Max Nicholson with guinea pig Tulip.

Eleven to 15-year-olds: 1, Sally Tennant with rabbit Bambina; 2, Gillian Abbott with rabbit Daisy; 3, George Fitzpatrick-Morgan with guinea pig Crumpet.