A VINTAGE fairground and a packed programme of arena events will be part of the fun at the annual Pickering Game and Country Fair.

The event, now in its sixth year, is being held on next weekend (MAY 9 and 10) at the Ryedale Arena and Pickering Showground - one mile south of Pickering on the A169.

Each day from 10am a varied arena programme will offer entertainment for the whole family including sheepdog shows, gundog demonstrations, a parade of hounds, heavy horses and the Mounted Games Association of Great Britain - whose riders compete on horseback in a series of tough challenges.

There will be the chance to try archery, watch falconry displays, sheep sheering, vintage tractors, chainsaw carving and rural crafts and demonstrations.

There will also be various shooting competitions, fly-casting tuition and trade stands.

A food marquee will be full of stalls selling an array of Yorkshire produce as well as delicacies from around the country.

And throughout the weekend Durham-born chef Kevin Roxby will be giving culinary demonstrations bringing his dishes in the cookery theatre.

The gates are open from 9am to 5.30pm. Admission is £8 adults, under 16s £3, over 65s £7, or a family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children is £20.

For more information visit www.eventsandexhibitions.net or call 0844 3573644.