A POPULAR village country show will return this weekend with organisers promising it will be bigger and better than ever.

This year’s Hurworth Country Fair will take place in the grounds of Hurworth Grange, near Darlington. on Saturday, September 14.

Highlights include Indian duck racing, pig racing, a Shetland pony display, a Viking re-enactment and a pet show.

There will also be a fire eating juggler and an owl display, as well as a welly wanging and limbo dancing competitions.

Stage performances will be given from Born to Dance’ troupe, Irish dancers, Hurworth Line Dancers, Hurworth Hip Hop Dancers and a juggling display team.

Other activities include an archery display and participation event, Punch & Judy sessions, a performance from the Aycliffe Brass Band, donkey rides, miniature railway rides, a fire engine and fairground rides and games.

Admission costs £4 for adults and £1 for children. Proceeds will go to Hurworth Community Association and St. Teresa’s Hospice.

Village resident and parish councillor Bree Stamp, who has played a major role in organising the craft and produce section of the show, said they were looking at introducing more affordable events and activities for younger visitors to this year’s show.

She said: “We get lots of positive feedback about the show, but one thing people did tell us is they wanted to see more things for the children.

“We had the fairground, but if families were coming with a few children, costs will have added up, so we’ve looked at introducing things of lower cost.

“There are so many people that work so hard to make it happen. There is so much work that goes on in the days building up to it, the set up, the marque and in the clean up, so it is the Hurworth Community Association, Hurworth Grange, and all the residents that deserve the biggest thanks, and of course Peter Allan.”

For more information, visit www.hurworthcountryfair.co.uk.