STARS from the world of rugby have pitched in with preparations for the Great Yorkshire Show after pledging to attend the three-day event – some for the first time.

Players from Leeds Rhinos and Hull Kingston Rovers came to help set up at the Harrogate showground where work is underway for the event in three weeks’ time.

From unloading hay bales to preparing sheep pens and rigging up signage, the players mucked in with the showground team – which expects to welcome more than 130,000 visitors between July 11 and 13.

Show director Charles Mills said: “It’s been tremendous to see the players all pulling together to help us prepare for the show.

“This is tough physical work for the team of 37 temporary and permanent facilities staff who take two months to build up the showground to deliver the Great Yorkshire Show every year.

“We are grateful for the players paying us a visit and giving them a helping hand for the day.”