PLANS are well in hand for an exciting revival at the Great Yorkshire Show. For the first time for more than 40 years, the agricultural extravaganza will include a cheese show, which is expected to attract entries from master cheesemakers across Britain.

The cheese show is sponsored by Morrisons supermarkets, and has 20 classes for hard and soft cheeses, yoghurt, cream and butter.

Morrison's trading director, Brian Murrell, who is also a cheese show judge, said: "It's been 40 years since the last Great Yorkshire cheese show and I've spent them all buying and selling cheese. During this time there has been a tremendous growth in choice. Mild, mature, crumbly or hard pressed, red, white or blue, or mixed with fruit, there really is a cheese to suit all tastes.

"The re-introduction of this show gives cheesemakers the opportunity to exhibit their expertise and display the great variety of cheese they produce for us all to enjoy."

There are special prizes for the supreme champion, and also the best Yorkshire dairy product, which is sponsored by Wensleydale Dairy Products, the company which shot to fame with the television characters, Wallace and Gromit. Staff from the Hawes creamery are helping to organise the cheese show.

One highlights will be the celebrity choice class, for which the organisers are inviting well-known names to select the cheese they like best.

The setting will be the showground's new £3m exhibition complex which will also display an extensive food exhibition, including the famous Yorkshire Pantry.

Judging of all the classes takes place on Tuesday, July 9, and will be followed by a presentation ceremony. About £1,050 is offered in prize money and entry forms are available from the Show Manager, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate HG2 8 PW. Entries close next Friday, June 7 June.

Show director Christopher Hall said: "The cheese show is a marvellous addition to our event and I am sure will be a great success. Food production is important not only because it is the end product of farming, but because it is a vital part of all our lives. The cheese show and the dozens of stands in the food hall provide our visitors with the final piece in the food chain jigsaw."

Elsewhere on the showground there will be much to entertain and enjoy over the three days. Top class show jumping will feature in the main ring, along with a wide range of exciting displays. The Shetland Pony Grand National is making a welcome return, along with the stately four-in-hand coaches. Livestock will once again be very much a focal part of the event with organisers, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, encouraging the farming industry to see the show as a boost to morale.

* The Great Yorkshire Show runs from Tuesday, July 9-Thursday, July 11 at its Harrogate showground. Ticket prices have been held at the planned 2001 figures: adults £12; over 60s £9 and children (5-15) £6. There are discounts on tickets booked in advance. Car parking is extensive and free.