ORGANISERS of the first major agricultural show in the county are gearing up for the event, which they say will be more entertaining than ever.

North Yorkshire County Show secretary Alan Andrew is also set to visit Buckingham Palace last this month to one of the Queen's garden parties next week, in recognition of the work he has done to keep the show a success.

Mr Andrew said he was delighted to have been invited to the prestigious event on Wednesday, May 15.

He said: "The show nearly went bust in 2012 but I managed to secure a £10,000 grant from the Lottery Fund, and we generated around £30,000 of income from other sources which helped to save the show.

"That has been recognised and so I've been invited to the palace. I didn't do it for the recognition but I'm delighted, it is exciting."

Mr Andrew said the show, based at Camp Hill Estate near Carthorpe, south of Bedale on Sunday, June 16, would be bigger and better than ever.

"We have two really great acts in the main ring: The Imps motorbike group made up of children aged five to 15, and racing pigs, which are really fun.

"Both acts will perform twice so people have plenty of opportunity to see them.

"For the first time ever at our show we will have a farrier competition, which is always popular at the Great Yorkshire Show so we thought we would introduce it."

The main ring will have activities all day, in the morning these include heavy horse and cattle judging, an alpaca display and carriage driving.

There will be a hound parade, best dressed heavy horse and riding judging all followed by a grand parade including class winners, classic cars and vintage tractors.

The show jumping and light horse events are in separate rings, starting at 8:30am and continuing throughout the day.

Other activities include a fun dog show, classic cars, vintage engines and tractors.

There will be a craft and junior marquee with photography, art, flower arranging, and craft competitions, food and separate craft marquees.

Mr Andrew said he hoped the weather would be dry but not too hot.

"The show falls on Father's Day and it makes a great family day out."

Advance tickets at a discounted price are at www.northyorkshireshow.co.uk.