THE gentle giants of the horse world will be in action this weekend when they take part in a traditional agricultural contest.

The annual Ploughing Match takes place at Pockerley Manor, Beamish Museum, County Durham, on Saturday.

Teams of heavy horses and their owners travel from across Britain to take part in the event.

Entrants are judged on how well they manage the team and the quality of the furrows, particularly at the start and finish of ploughing.

Beamish horseman Peter Brassett is expected to be a strong contender for the High Cut contest.

A further four teams will compete in the general purpose category.

For the first time, this year an award will also be presented for the best decorated heavy horse.

Horse-drawn farm machinery will also be on display and there will be working demonstrations of a steam engine and thresher dating from about 1900.

Plots for the ploughing match are to be drawn at 10.30am, with the competition getting under way at 11am. Prizes will be awarded at 4pm.

For further information, contact the museum on 0191 370-4000.