THE region's biggest agricultural show is hoping to be a major success this year.

Event organisers are promising visitors a chance to see some of the country's finest horses and ponies.

The Great Yorkshire Show will take place in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, from July 9 to 11.

Organisers are confident of overcoming the disappointment of last year's enforced cancellation because of the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

Before last year's show was called off, horse and pony entries were at an all-time high. Several sections this year will include qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show.

Nearly £30,000 in prize money will be available across the horse, pony and donkey classes, with a further £23,500 for show jumping.

Show director Christopher Hall said: "The Great Yorkshire Show has a reputation as one of the finest equestrian events in the country.

"Certainly everyone regards our main ring as a wonderful setting - whether it is for show jumping, in-hand classes or the Shetland Pony Grand National.

"This, coupled with the White Rose Ring, makes competing at the Great Yorkshire Show an occasion, as well as a challenge."