THREE Clydesdale horses will be among the attractions at an annual game fair next month.

Hollystone Hawks and Heavy Horses, in South Shields, South Tyneside, will attend Teesdale Game Fair, at Witton Castle, Witton-le-Wear, County Durham, on Saturday and Sunday, May 8 and 9.

The Clydesdales include Ed who, at 22, is one of the oldest working heavy horses in the country.

Owner Stan Smiles will highlight the breed's abilities, from farm horse to cavalry charger. All his animals will be on display during the show, with grooms available to answer questions.

Mr Smiles said: "We have more than a dozen horses and I like to think they are all working animals, inasmuch as they earn their keep.

"My grandfather used to deliver meat and fruit with a horse-drawn cart, so I suppose you could say it is in my blood. Certainly I have been around horses all my life."

The team is only one feature of an enlarged and improved programme at this year's fair, which organiser Geoff Clutton promises will offer family entertainment and showcase the best of traditional country crafts, pursuits and sports.

There will be falconry, ferreting, lurchers, terriers, gundog displays and competitions, archery, airguns, and shooting competitions.

The fair is open from 9am to 5.30pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults, £3 for children and OAPs, and £20 for a family of two adults and up to three children. Infants go free.