CATTLE, sheep, pigs and goats are making a welcome return to this year's Great Yorkshire Show.

After last year's cancellation of the show because of foot-and-mouth disease, this year's event will feature plenty of livestock.

There will be 475 cattle, 936 sheep, 118 pigs and 210 goats exhibited at the event, which runs from July 9 to 11.

Show director Christopher Hall paid tribute to the many exhibitors who have "pulled out the stops" to support the region's top agricultural event.

He said: "Considering the traumas of last year we're absolutely delighted with the figures.

"With the support of our exhibitors and our ongoing commitment to the industry, the Great Yorkshire Show remains a superb platform for British farming."

In the cattle section, all the usual breeds are represented in 21 sections with the strongest support in the Commercial Beef and British Limousin classes.

In the sheep section, 29 breeds are represented, making it one of the largest sheep shows in the country.

Ticket prices for this year's show have been held at 2000 figures.

An adult ticket costs £12; over 60s, £9; and children from five to 15 years, £6.

There are discounts available for tickets booked in advance. Car parking is extensive and free.

For further information telephone (01423) 541000 or visit the web site at www.greatyorkshireshow.org