FAMOUS faces from the worlds of sport, television and royalty are descending on the region this week to witness the return of one of the country's flagship agricultural shows.

The Great Yorkshire Show starts today and hopes are high for this year's farming showcase to be the most successful in its 144-year history.

Farming and tourism were dealt a devastating blow last year when the show - which attracts more than 120,000 people - fell victim to the foot-and-mouth crisis.

But organisers are confident of raising morale in the countryside with a spectacular line-up at the 450-acre Great Yorkshire Showground, in Harrogate, this year.

Staff have been working round the clock to prepare stands, stalls, marquees, exhibits and demonstrations in time for today's 8am opening.

Sir Ken Morrison, chairman of Morrisons Supermarkets, will present an award to the winner of the Great Yorkshire Cheese and Dairy Show, which is returning after a 40-year absence. Tomorrow, the Duke of York will take a tour of the showground, taking in the country pursuits and forestry areas and the new £2.25m food hall.

On Thursday, BBC Radio Four will bring its longest-running magazine programme, Woman's Hour, to the show for a live broadcast with presenter Jenni Murray.

The event will also include visits from writer Kay Mellor, journalist and Ramblers Association champion Janet Street-Porter and actress Kathy Staff.

Entries for the show stand at just under 8,500 - with 500 cattle, 900 sheep and about 300 pigs and goats competing in various classes.

The new-look fashion and art pavilion is also likely to be a major attraction, with shows sponsored by Marks and Spencer.

The main ring will host the country's leading show-jumpers, including Robert Smith, Graham Fletcher and John and Michael Whittaker.

Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said: "It's wonderful to be back and we are looking forward to a great three days, and hope everybody will have a wonderful time at what is the region's top agricultural event."

Police are urging motorists to follow signed routes to the showground as traffic chaos is expected in the Harrogate area.

Strict bio-security arrangements will be in place, with all vehicles' wheels washed before entering the arena.

Officials have also stressed that visitors can see animals as normal, but must first walk over disinfectant mats.

The show is open from 8am to 7.30pm today and tomorrow, and 8am to 6pm on Thursday.