BRITAIN'S oldest agricultural show returns for its 226th year today.

Wolsingham Show attracts thousands of people to the region each year, with livestock and rural crafts on display.

The show runs until Monday at Scotch Isle Park, in Wolsingham.

Last year saw about 40,000 visitors, but the show's general secretary Gordon Dobson is hoping for a bigger attendance this time around.

Mr Dobson said that entries to the various livestock judging categories were higher than ever, and marquees have had to be extended to accommodate more exhibitors.

Cattle entries are up 100 per cent on last year, while horse and sheep entries have also risen significantly as the region's rural community fights back from the foot-and-mouth epidemic of 2001.

Mr Dobson promised that despite more than 200 shows having gone before it, this year's event would be different to the previous years.

"A lot has changed in a year," he said. "Over the winter, the ground staff have planted a new 235-metre hedge."

Twelve oak trees have also been planted following a grant from Durham County Council as a link with the past - the former venue for the show was Twelve Oaks.

A full programme of events, which includes the return of sheepdog trials, can be viewed on www.wolsinghamshow.com