A GIANT steel sculpture has been unveiled in honour of the Great Yorkshire Show’s 160th anniversary.

The enormous galvanised steel cow, which was inspired by the famous Craven Heifer, the largest heifer ever shown in England, will be making its way across Yorkshire to promote England’s biggest agricultural show.

It will then take pride of place on President’s Lawn at the showground ready for the show which takes place from July 10 to July 12.

The sculpture, which is 6ft high and weighs more than half a tonne, began its journey at Bolton Abbey, where the real heifer was reared in the 19th century.

The prized beast was so remarkable it was put on show at London’s Smithfield Market, where people would pay to see it.

After leaving the abbey, the sculpture made its way to Imphal Barracks in Fulford, which is adjacent to the site where the very first Great Yorkshire Show was held in the Barrack Yard of the 5th Dragoons in 1838.

Charles Mills, show director, said on Tuesday: “Today has been a momentous start to our 160th anniversary celebrations and marks the launch of tickets which go on sale today.

“The Craven Heifer was an iconic animal born and bred in the same era as the first Great Yorkshire Show and was the wonder of farmers across England.

"We want to take the GYSheifer on tour, just as the Craven Heifer did, so look out for her at a location near you or come and see her yourself at the Great Yorkshire Show where she will be put in prime position on the President’s Lawn.”