A row over a men-only tradition has sparked outrage.

Dartmouth Fatstock Show, an annual event held for over 100 years took place yesterday, on Tuesday, December 11, at the Old Market Square in Dartmouth.

However, female competitors have expressed their frustration the annual awards evening bars women from attending.

A farmer, Chloe Quantick told the Chronicle: “I feel the show needs to move forward with tradition and accept women.”

She said women work “just as hard as men” when it comes to their stock.

“I have been to 22 shows this year showing my pedigree stock and commercials. There is a lot more women exhibitors now in the cattle, sheep or even pigs.”

Chloe, who was awarded champion said she was “extremely pleased” with the results.

She also spoke to the BBC and said: “They need to stop being a bit sexist and let us in there.” The Dartmouth Fatstock awards evening held at the Royal Castle Hotel is a men only event where trophies to male winners are awarded.

Mr Phil Bond, show chairman, told the BBC the exclusive male event was “a tradition and how it has always been done”.

He said he had the “support and the backing” from the committee to carry on. Mr Bond also told the BBC the awards dinner was a “tradition” and “the way it always has been done”.

A member of Dartmouth Young Farmers said there was roughly an equal balance between men and women in the club.

Yet, no women were invited to the Dartmouth Fatstock awards evening.