THE director of the Great Yorkshire Show, which begins today, hopes the event will be a bright spot after recent bad weather.

Bill Cowling spoke yesterday as the finishing touches were put to the 149th show, which takes place in Harrogate until Thursday.

A record 11,738 entries have been received in 22 sections and there was a waiting list of people hoping for trade stand space.

Last year's show attracted a record-setting 135,111 visitors.

Mr Cowling said that, while heavy rain in the past two weeks had made life difficult, organisers from the Yorkshire Agricultural Society had worked hard to lessen its effects.

Visitors have been urged not to drive to the show as some of the car parks had suffered in the rain. Additional free shuttle buses will run from Harrogate, Starbeck and Hornbeam Park railway stations, while wood chip and trackway has been put down in the car parks.

"The value of agricultural shows, and in particular the Great Yorkshire, is that it connects the public with the source of their food, increasing understanding and appreciation," said Mr Cowling.

"It is vital we continue to remain true to our heritage of promoting all that's best in farming and rural life."

A fashion show, featuring organic wedding gowns, will include appeaqrances by finalists from Yorkshire Fashion Idol 2007.

Admission to the show is £19 for adults, £15 concessions, £8 children and £47 for a family of two adults and up to three children.