COMMITTEE members, residents and visitors alike are gearing up for the return of a much-loved country show.

This year’s Bellingham Show and Country Festival takes place on Saturday.

Now in its 174th year, the show promises to be the perfect family day out.

From humble beginnings back in 1842, Bellingham Show has grown to become one of the most hotly- anticipated events in the county’s calendar.

With a number of traditional elements, including over 150 industrial classes, there are also some new additions to the show this year.

The organisers are pleased to announce they will host the inaugural world championships of the ladies 10 stone and under wrestling – a first for the show.

For those who enjoy a bit more tradition, there will be terrier racing, horses, sheep and clay pigeon shooting.

Highlights this year include a revamped equestrian section, the dog show and the ever-popular fell race.

The show will also see the return of the longest-running Northumbrian piping competition.

This is the second year Bellingham Show will host the Stay Strong for Stu tug of war competition, in aid of the Stu Ridley Memorial Fund.

Show secretary Kate Dickinson said: “The sheep show is coming this year and features dancing sheep which will be very fun to watch.

“There is also a dog show with classes like ‘dog with the waggiest tail’ and ‘dog the judges would most like to kidnap’, as well as the more serious classes.”

Live music, including North-East four-piece STAN, can be found in the beer tent named the Reivers’ Return.

Kate added: “We have tried to maintain tradition but also get new things for the children to be involved in.

“We have a really good committee who all have their own roles.

“It can get quite intense in the run up to the show. We are now just waiting for the good weather to start.

“We are very grateful to our sponsors, traders and exhibitors who come and support us whatever the weather. Without them,there would be no show.”