ORGANISERS are preparing for what is expected to be the biggest Durham County Show yet.

Sunderland City Council staff will be on hand to marshal the thousands of people expected at Herrington Country Park, between Chester-le-Street and Sunderland, on July 17 and 18.

This year will see the return of the Devil's Horsemen and the largest dog and horticultural shows to have been held on the site, as well as a full programme of showjumping.

Backed up by fairground attractions, displays of everything from martial arts and vintage cars to huge tents containing a farmers' market, arts and crafts and local produce, organisers are expecting more than 70,000 people to attend.

Show secretary Christine Duke said: "We would hope we've something for everybody. We've all the countryside attractions for which we have become famous, like the showjumping, competitions and displays - but a whole lot more. We have music from some of the city's most promising young bands in the amphitheatre.

"In the bandstand we have a full programme of brass band music from the North East Concert Band and both the Houghton and Newcastle Pipe Bands."

On Sunday, the Millfield Salvation Army Band will perform at a Songs of Praise-style event from the showground.