DAVID Beckram, baby Brooklamb and Her Majesty the Queen Sheep were just three of Skipton's special guests at the weekend.

If you looked closely through the crowd though, you might just have spotted a few film stars as well, taking a break from filming the Calendar Girls movie.

But despite celebrities Clive Hornby, Helen Mirren and John Alderton mingling with Skiptonians on Sheep Day, the real stars had to be the odd looking creatures in the pens.

The "alternative sheep show" competition had been organised because movement restrictions following foot and mouth prevented live sheep being brought onto the High Street.

Local businesses, schools and individuals came up with some imaginative animals, and the impressive entries included a sheep made entirely from flowers, Little Bo Peep, and Sheep Dip.

Sheep Day's opening ceremony was performed by Emmerdale star Clive Hornby, alias Jack Sugden, who also judged the competition. He spoke about his life in Emmerdale and about the importance of events like Sheep Day.

He hung about for most of the day, signing autographs, having his photograph taken and answering questions.

There were plenty of other attractions drawing crowds of people to the High Street.

Eight-year-old Philip Mellin impressed the audience with his sheepdog control. Using a whistle, he ordered the dog to round up five ducks to walk along a seesaw. Albert Mellin then gave a sheep shearing demonstration, and showed off his own sheep dog control.

Elsewhere, a fairground to the music of a 60 key Dutch street organ kept younger visitors happy. Children also got the opportunity to sit on a tractor, in a fire engine, climb through a cave, see a magic show and make their own skipping ropes.

The Corio Raptor birds of prey display was popular, as were the ferrets, Flagcrackers dancers, wood turning and hurdle making demonstrations and music from Skipton Band.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust had a stall with information about its work to protect Britain's native farm animals from extinction.

Inside the town hall there were Yorkshire crafts and stalls selling traditional produce while an old fashioned clog maker and a weaver demonstrated their skills.

Sheep Day committee member Richard Colley said he was pleased with how the day, organised by Skipton Town Council, had gone.

"It is great to be able to hold this event on the High Street. It has attracted people from towns and cities, many of whom have not seen these various crafts and skills before," he said.

All proceeds from the day went to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

Skipton Mayor, Coun Andrew Rankine, thanked Mr Hornby, who gave up his fee to RABI, for his support.

"He really added to the day and was more than happy to stay and talk to everyone," said Mr Rankine.

"The day was excellent; better than previous years. Everyone put their backs into organising this."

He said the only disappointments were caused by the couple of events which failed to turn up without giving notice and that some visitors felt parking should have been free on the day.

Results: Alternative Sheep Show. Most Humorous Sheep - 1 Alison Cartwright, 2 Avena Herbal Products, 3= Children of Brougham Street Nursery and Skipton TIC. Most Realistic Sheep - 1 Flowers By Design, 2 Gills Top Residential Home. Best Sheep reflecting a jubilee theme - 1 Brougham Street Nursery, 2 Class four, Parish Church School, 3 Skipton Soroptimists. Best in show Flowers By Design, runner up Brougham Street Nursery.