THE British National Ploughing Championships are returning to the region after an absence of 30 years.
More than 170 top ploughmen from all over Britain - including past world and European champions - will compete at Crockey Hill, five miles from York, on October 13 and14.
More than 15,000 spectators are expected to watch them contest 12 different classes over 280 acres at Naburn Hill Farm, which is owned by Roger Hobson, president of the Society of Ploughmen.
The classes cover different styles of ploughing - from horses to today's sophisticated tractors and ploughs.
The top prize is to represent England in the 2008 World Ploughing Contest in Austria.
Ken Chappell, executive director of the Society of Ploughmen, said: "It's great to be coming back to North Yorkshire. There is tremendous interest and support in the area."
About a dozen pairs of heavy horses in their magnificent ornate brass and leather harnesses will plough each day and there will also be vintage tractors and ploughs, a craft marquee, and a wide variety of trade stands and demonstrations.
The Championships were last held in the county at Thorpe Willoughby, near Selby, in 1973.
For more information, call01302-842469, or go to www.ploughmen. co.uk
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