THREE young riders are under starters orders for England’s biggest agricultural event, the Great Yorkshire Show.

Up to 135,000 people are expected to pour into Harrogate for the show next month between Tuesday July 14 and Thursday July 16.

The three riders; Evie Hole-Todd, ten from Gainford, near Darlington; her cousin, Ruby Todd, 11, from Aldborough St John and Charlotte Tindale, 11, from Brompton on Swale are competing in the Shetland Pony Grand National at the show.

Show Director Bill Cowling invited them to try out some of the jumps and put their ponies through their paces for the event which will take place in the main ring. They’ll be joined by youngsters from all over the country who will be hoping to qualify for the Grand National Final being held at Olympia, during the London International Horse Show in December.

Mr Cowling said: “We are delighted to welcome back the Shetland Pony Grand National and our Main Ring is a wonderful setting for it. The commitment and enthusiasm of the children on their feisty ponies has to be seen to be believed!”

Elsewhere at the Great Yorkshire Show there are over 13,000 entries in the competitive classes, more than 1,200 trade stands with everything from combine harvesters to designer clothing and plenty of hands on demonstrations of country skills.

Go to www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk for more information.