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UK's longest-running small animal show attracts thousands of fans

Thousands of people were set to descend on Yorkshire for the UK’s longest-running small animal show at the weekend.

The ‘Bradford’ Premier Small Animal Show is the biggest small animal show in the UK, open to species including gerbils, hamsters, mice, rabbits and rats – with some breeders travelling from as far afield as Sweden and the United States to compete.

Established in 1921, the show is staged this weekend at the Lazarus Exhibition Hall in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, with visitors getting the chance to see well-groomed animals battle it out for the coveted title of Best in Show.

Breeders from a number of countries across Europe and further afield flock to the event each year.

Breeder Jeff Harding, 57, from North Carolina, US said: “I came here to see the show and to show my Belgian hares.

“This is a hobby, this is probably the 20th trip aboard in the last two years. I come over here and judge a fair amount. I’ve only been home for 10-12 days.”

Stuart Smith, chairman of the BSLS Committee, said:“The Show’s continuing success is thanks to all the fanciers, young and old, who over the Show’s history have come together to compete for the ultimate honour of ‘Best in Show’.

“We aim to make our 96th Small Animal Show a magnificent milestone in the Show’s proud history.”