THE countdown is well under way for the 146th Great Yorkshire Show.

The three-day event takes place in Harrogate from Tuesday, July 13, until Thursday, July 15.

Some of the finest livestock in the country will compete, with classes for cattle, sheep, pigs and goats, all attracting some of their highest entry levels in recent years.

Showjumping is always a popular feature with keen competition for the Hornbeam Park Cock o'the North Championship.

The equine classes in the show rings range from Shires to donkey driving and side saddle classes. Entries are still being finalised but again look likely to be among the highest ever.

Christopher Hall, show director, said: "We're looking forward to an excellent three days. The entries for the competitive classes have been flooding in and there's a hive of activity at the showground getting everything ready.

"As well as being a shop window for the farming and countryside, it's a fantastic day out."

Heading the entertainment in the main ring will be the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery. Their displays feature daredevil riders racing across the arena while pulling gun carriages.

Elsewhere, the Skipton Building Society fashion pavilion features styles stretching from Georgian times through the Victorian and Edwardian eras to the sophisticated outfits of Ascot Gavotte.

There is also a collection of fashions from today's students at the University of Leeds school of design. The fashion shows will be staged four times a day.

One of the most popular sections is the Great Yorkshire cheese and dairy show.

In the flower hall, the central exhibition by Scarborough Borough Council is a major feature. Called Celebrating the Year of Gardening, a ship is depicted returning to England from Australia and features exotic plants and flowers, merged into an English country garden with an orangery.

The country pursuits area features falconry displays, demonstrations by Mountgrace Gundogs, working terriers, beagles and foxhounds, and a display by shepherdess Katy Cropper, the only woman to have won the BBC's popular One Man and His Dog show.

The Great British pole climbing championships will see competitors race against the clock to the top of 90ft poles in a bid to break the world record.

In the education area, children can enjoy an interactive display by Eureka! The Museum for Children, while older visitors will be fascinated by the Fun Zone, which will feature trampolines, reverse bungee jumping and a climbing wall.

Elsewhere on the 240-acre site there will be a display of vintage Rolls-Royce cars, trade stands, cookery demonstrations, marching bands and Alpacas for the first time.

Last year, 127,152 people attended the show - the fourth-highest attendance figure in the event's history.

Tickets on the gate cost £15 for adults, £11 for concessions, and a family ticket (two adults and three children) costs £40.

Parking is free but dogs are not allowed on the showground.

The ticket hotline number is 01423 541222.