LIVESTOCK will be returning to the Durham County Show today for the first time since its enforced absence due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Thousands of people will converge on Herrington Country Park, at Penshaw, near Sunderland - the show's venue for the second year.

Given the demand from exhibitors and traders, organisers from the Durham Agricultural Society asked Sunderland City Council to increase the showground to nine hectares - the size of 15 football pitches with the entire 170 hectares of the park given over to the show.

Added attractions this year include a jousting tournament, flower show, dog show and a display of vintage cars and buses.

Outside the showground, there will be a display from the Morris 1000 Owners' Club, six model boat regattas on the lake and a vast range of other events, artistic, cultural and entertaining in flavour.

The 1,500-capacity Amphitheatre - the largest outdoor venue in the region - will again host two days of music by young people from the city and surrounding area, to complement the sound of brass from the bandstand.

The entrance for the show is at the mini-roundabout beneath Penshaw Hill, on the A183, and car parking is free.

Gates open at 9am today and tomorrow but organisers said the main rush is expected at 10am.

Tickets for each day are £3 adults, £2 pensioners and £1 children.