ORGANISERS of the 222nd Wolsingham Show in Weardale are promising a millennium extravaganza for the whole family this weekend.

Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong will be visiting the show on Sunday and chatting to local farmers with Joyce Quinn, a junior minister of agriculture.

The show, which is on tomorrow, Sunday and Monday, is one of the best county shows in the region and attracts thousands.

In keeping with the millennium, this year's theme is agriculture over the past 100 years, with prize money totalling £25,000.

Tomorrow is agriculture day and sees the best of breed classes for cattle, horses and sheep, along with more than 100 trade stalls.

There will be the Bob Hogg sheep dog display, harness racing, wood sculpting demonstrations and a model aircraft display.

Sunday is country fair day with show jumping in the main ring, classes for horses and cattle, the terrier and lurcher championship, clay pigeon shooting, Cumberland and Westmoreland wrestling, line dancing and parade of hounds.

The farmer's market will also offer a wide variety of fresh produce from pork, beef, lamb, dry-cured bacon and mushrooms to free-range eggs, cheese and apple juice.

Other goods, produced locally by stallholders, include hand-made soaps from natural ingredients, a range of plants and organic fruit and vegetables.

Helicopter rides, falconry displays and music from the Cockerton Silver Band will also take place on both days, along with a parade of agricultural heritage over 100 years, featuring horse drawn fire engines and traditional carriages.

Monday gets under way with a sheep dog trial in the morning, with greyhound and harness racing from 2pm.

The showground off Durham Road, opens at 8am on Saturday and 8.30am on Sunday and Monday. Entrance per day is £4 adults and £2 concessions.