ORGANISERS of one of the county’s most well-known shows are preparing to welcome the public this weekend, after working intensively to move the event to a new venue.

North Yorkshire County Show is one of the first big rural shows of the season for the county and takes place this Sunday.

It will be the first year the event has been held at the Camp Hill Estate near Bedale, after moving from Otterington Hall near Northallerton, where it had been since 1997. Organisers had to find a new home when the country estate was sold to a new owner.

About 10,000 visitors a year make their way to the show every year, as well as hundreds of horses, livestock and other animals, and finding a venue to accommodate all its needs required an extensive search. Luckily the Ropners, from the Camp Hill estate offered to host the event on their land.

Show secretary Alan Andrew said the move involved liaising with other organisations including councils, police, fire service and safety advisory groups who needed to check the suitability of the new layout. British Showjumping also needed to inspect the new show jumping field before signing off the event.

“It’s taken quite a lot of work. You have to have a main show ring, a show jumping ring and warm-up ring and then fit everything round that; we measured the field at least three times,” said Mr Andrew.

“Obviously I’m a little apprehensive as it’s a new venture but we have put a lot of effort into making it a success and mitigating the impact on local villages.”

The show organisers have this year employed a professional traffic control company to manage the vehicles accessing four different entrances to the showground.

The show will include traditional classes in cattle, sheep, rabbits, ferrets, horticulture, arts, crafts, produce and photography.

The county show also hosts one of the largest summer poultry exhibitions in Northern England. It will be one of the first shows in the country to admit entries from the North-West, after the government recently lifted its poultry ban in the area- brought in to prevent the spread of bird flu.

Some of the attractions in the main ring will include Broke FXM motorcycle stunts, carriage driving and the grand parade.

There will also be a fun dog show, trampolines, food marquees and stalls.

For more information visit; northyorkshireshow.co.uk