BORDERWAY Agri-Expo celebrates its tenth show when it takes place in Carlisle next Friday.

Since its launch, 6,525 cattle and sheep have competed and entries have increased each year – 2015 saw 840 cattle and sheep compete in front of 12,000 spectators.

David Pritchard, operations director for organisers Harrison & Hetherington, said: "It is absolutely incredible how Borderway Agri-Expo has grown and developed since it was first established. From what was a very challenging year in 2007, the entire team here who work on the event never imagined it would become the size it has done today."

The 2016 event features 41 livestock classes, featuring some of the most highly sought after livestock in the country, and total prize money of £15,000. Following the general classes, there will be an overall championship for both cattle and sheep.

Running alongside the main classes will be a number of special breed society awards and show classes including the Aberdeen Angus Winter National Show – including Walkers Shortbread Aberdeen Angus herd of the year competition; the Border British Blue calf show; the Beef Shorthorn national calf show; the Hereford Society national calf show; and the Simmental regional calf show.

The Beltex Sheep Society will present £200 to the overall champion pair of lambs, and £100 to the reserve overall champion pair if they are sired by a registered Beltex ram.

The British Texel Sheep Society will present £250 and £125, respectively, should the overall champion or reserve be sired by a registered Texel ram.

Renowned local butcher Jimmy Mulholland, of Great Orton, Carlisle – who judged the first event – returns to judge the cattle classes. The Baby Beef classes will be judged by Michael Durno of Auchorachan, Glenlivit.

The main sheep classes will be judged by Haig Murray, head of procurement at Dunbia Scotland, while renowned Swaledale and Mule breeder, William Wallace, of Gapshields, Carlisle, will judge the Mule Gimmer class.

In 2007, Neil Slack, of Plumtree Farm, Penrith, was reserve overall with his red Limousin cross heifer, Rhiana. He will return this year with a bullock out of that same heifer.

He said: "This is a very important event in the livestock calendar. It offers a huge shop window for the industry and is one of the best supported shows in the country."

Three Young Handlers classes introduced last year will again feature. Sponsored by XL Vets, each class boasts £50 prize money and a cup.

Around 160 stands will exhibit everything from machinery and equipment to livestock handling and management systems, as well as providing specialist advice on feed, nutrition and genetics.

David Pritchard said: "From the outset our aim was to use Agri-Expo as a forum for education and knowledge-sharing for traders, pedigree and commercial breeders and anyone else with an interest in the industry. Looking at the scale of the event today, I think it has, without a doubt, been an outstanding success, and will hopefully continue to flourish in the future."

Full details are at harrisonandhetherington.co.uk telephone 01228 406200.