A TRADITIONAL country show will be revived this weekend thanks to the enterprising spirit of five women.

The Durham County Agricultural Show dates back to 1841 and its traditional home was Lambton Park.

It moved to Herrington Park, on the outskirts of Sunderland in 2002, but has not been held since 2007 due to policing costs.

However, it has now been brought back to life by five friends and will be held in the grounds at Ushaw historic house and gardens, near Durham, this Sunday.

The day will have an equestrian theme and there will be trade stands, attractions and catering.

Joint organiser, Dawn Roe, said: “The closing of the original agricultural show was a huge loss to the area– it was so sad to see it go. It was a real family event, and one of the oldest agricultural society events in the country.

“In January, myself and four friends were talking about how much we missed it, and– encouraged by a glass or two of wine– we decided that we would revive it this year."

They had planned to keep it small for the first year, holding it at an equestrian centre, but as interest escalated they realised they would need a larger venue, and Ushaw offered the use of its grounds.

Jonathan Ward, commercial manager at Ushaw, said: “It’s a great honour for us to host the revival of the Durham County Show.

"The aim here at Ushaw is increase the amount of community activity so this is another opportunity to bring the public into Ushaw to see its beauty and versatility.”

The ladies, who have spent lots of time and some of their own money organising and promoting the event, thanked Ushaw, sponsors, volunteers and the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) for their help.

Attractions will include award-winning caricaturist Paul Slattery, who visitors can pre-book a sitting with, Casper the miniature trick pony and demonstrations by a working farrier.

There will also be a Concours D'Elegance Display, showing how Victorian ladies used to dress and ride, with costumes by Rebecca Jayne Rawlingson, who has designed for Kynren.

The show is on from 7am to 7pm and tickets, priced £5 for adults and £4 for children, must be pre-booked at

durhamcountyshow.com