A huge expanse of reclaimed land provides the latest stage for Durham County Show.

Herrington Country Park, on more than 400-acres of restored colliery land in the shadow of Penshaw Monument, is the new venue for the traditional country show, dating back to 1841.

An array of attractions including horse shows, fun runs, live music, display teams, trade stands and a farmers' market is expected to lure thousands to the show ground.

Show secretary Christine Duke believes the traditional event is ideally suited for its new home.

She said: "The Durham County Show is a prestigious event and Herrington Country Park will provide the perfect setting to become its permanent, annual home.

"There's something for all the family to enjoy, from show jumping and a two-day dog show, to military re-enactments, marching bands, live music, model boat regatta and stalls selling the best in local produce."

The country park, believed to be the largest of its kind in the North-East, has transformed the site of the former Herrington Colliery, which closed in 1985.

The project involved the removal of 20 million tonnes of debris from the site, including an 11m tonne pit heap. It has resulted in a green swathe, just off the A183 Chester-le-Street to Sunderland road, now deemed a Great North Forest "gateway" site.

The site features a 3,000-seat amphitheatre, eight lakes, 12km of footpath and cycleways, a 5km bridleway, 100-acres of local native trees, plus 10km of hedgerow, with 333,000 trees and shrubs, intermingled with large outdoor sculptures, set among landscaped scenery.

Festivities begin tomorrow with a fun run around the boundaries of the park, at 10am, begun by Sunderland's Mayor, councillor Peter Gibson. Gates to the showground open from 9am to 5pm tomorrow and Sunday with parking free. Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children.