MOTORISTS heading for the Great Yorkshire Show, which got under way today (Tues), faced traffic gridlock as journey through Harrogate to the showground took more than an hour.

Show organisers said they were responsible only for traffic once it entered the showground and its car parks but a briefing on this morning's problems is due at 4pm. North Yorkshire County Council said it would look into the situation.

The weather forecast for the first two days of the three-day event, which attracted record entries this year, is promising and organisers say that ground which was soaked in the last fortnight's torrential rain had dried out well by this morning.

Highlights of today's programme include a visit from environment, food and rural affairs minister Hilary Benn, centenary celebrations for the Country Land and Business Association and ther launch of the Fresh Start Academy for Yorkshire, aimed at encouraging people into farming and agricultural industries.

The show is open tomorrow (Wed) from 7.30am to 7.30pm and on Thursday from 7.30am to 6pm. Admission is 19 for adults, 15 for pensioners and students and 8 for children.