PREPARATIONS are well under way for the August Bank Holiday highlight that is the Blanchland and Hunstanworth Show.

The much-loved event will return again this Bank Holiday Monday with all the tradition and charm of a community event.

Pony classes, an open terrier show, poultry classes and a busy industrial tent are the beating heart of the event, which takes place on the show field in Blanchland village.

From home baking and stick making to photography, produce and arts and crafts, the 162 classes in the industrial marquee have the interests of the whole family covered.

A gun dog demonstration by local lad Phil Armstrong, along with a fun fair and children’s sports means there’s plenty to ensure a good day out is had by all.

“There’ll be a display of vintage cars and tractors for the third year running,” said show committee member Margaret Bowers.

“That’s getting bigger each year and is really popular.”

Dwindling entry numbers means the once-popular sheep section was axed in time for last year’s event, in favour of a display of rare breeds of the animal, which will feature again for 2016.

“The movement restrictions mean people who want to show their sheep have to have at least a week in between, so if they’re at a show on the Saturday, they can’t come to Blanchland on the Monday,” Margaret explained.

But the show remains as popular as ever with visitors and is well-supported by local traders, many of whom, along with the neighborhood police team, will have stalls at Monday’s event.