PREPARATIONS are well under way for this year's Stockton Summer Show and organisers hope attendances could top the 20,000 figure.

The event, which runs for four days from Friday, August 27, will include a range of activities and entertainment for people of all ages.

Several hundred competitors have entered for three day of showjumping and there will also be equestrian trade stands.

An extensive programme of entertainment is planned and arena entertainment includes four themed days.

Friday will be Family Fun Friday; Saturday is Pets and People, including the Chesh-ire Dog Display Team and Ridgeside Falconry; Sunday and Monday will be medieval re-enactment days with The Knights of the Crusade, as well as Peterkin the Fool.

During the four days, a circus tent will be in open with four shows per day, along with smaller-scale static and walkabout entertainment, fairground and sideshows, a giant inflatable slide and free admission to Preston Hall Museum, Eagleslcliffe, where the event takes place.

Derek Batchelor, events officer for Stockton Borough Council, said: "Attendance figures in previous years have approached 20,000 and we expect this year to be no different."

Admission is £2.50 for adults and £1.50 concessions. Entry is free for under fives and people in wheelchairs.