WITH less than a month to go, organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show are looking forward to the 2002 event - after a break of a year.

Last year, the region's top farming showcase was cancelled because of the foot-and-mouth crisis but now it's all systems go for the event which runs from July 9-11.

The Duke of York will visit the show on July 10, and included on his agenda is a visit to the livestock classes. This year, the Great Yorkshire Show is one of the few to have sections for cattle, sheep, pigs and goats, with virtually all the usual breeds represented.

New for the event is the Great Yorkshire Cheese and Dairy Show, which is being held for the first time in 40 years. It will showcase a wide range of cheese, yoghurt and dairy products.

Fashion shows have always been a popular feature, but have been given a make-over for 2002. Held in the fashion and art pavilion, the shows will include a preview of the sponsors Marks & Spencer's autumn collection, organised by the Harrogate and York stores.

For the first time there will be an art exhibition by Yorkshire artists. The works will be contemporary and take the Yorkshire landscape as their theme. Up to 100 paintings will be displayed and can be bought. Visitors will also have the chance to win one, through a "name the painting" competition.

Another first is the food hall, which will display the region's finest food and drink, along with the Sainsbury's country cookery theatre. Demonstrations by some of the region's leading chefs take place throughout the event.

Around the showground will be a whole range of activities - including the bid to break the world pole climbing record which stands at 9.61 seconds; The Shetland Pony Grand National is included in the main ring programme, there's top class show jumping, four in hand coaches, the White Helmets motor cycle display team and a display of vintage farm machinery, cars and motor cycles.

Morris dancers from Castleford, Scarborough and Sheffield will entertain, and music will be provided by young musicians from Harrogate, Kirklees and South Durham, as well as the RAF Regiment Band and the Harriers New Orleans Jazzmen.

An adult ticket costs £12, over-sixties, £9 and children (five-15 years) £6. There are discounts available for tickets booked in advance. For further information, call 01423 541000.

Beamish award

BEAMISH Open Air Musuem has won the best UK attraction for group and long visits at an awards ceremony.

It beat the Eden Project, Alton Towers and Hampton Court Palace at the 2002 Group Travel Awards.