LIVESTOCK entries and exhibitor numbers for this year's Three Counties Show are looking healthy, despite a troubled agricultural sector and tough economic situation.

Organisers are currently preparing for the show, which takes place at the showground just outside Malvern on Friday-Sunday, June 19-22.

Sharon Gilbert of the Three Counties Agricultural Society said that only the dairy section of the show was showing a significant reduction in numbers, and overall the show seemed to be weathering the storm.

"This event has survived many assaults in recent years - foot and mouth, bovine tuberculosis, flooding and of course bluetongue - so we're rising to the challenge as always," she said.

"We continue to step up our efforts to build on the farming and countryside content of the event, as many farmers rely on us to provide a platform for showcasing livestock and produce. We are also introducing more new features again this year to entice visitors from both the farming and non-farming communities."

The show continues to have agriculture at its heart, and the daily grand parade of livestock remains one of the highlights, giving visitors the chance to see Britain's finest breeds at close range.

But this year's show also introduces new features, such as the Malvern Dairy Goat Show, farmers' market, carriage driving trials and a new showjumping challenge.

And the arena entertainments include motorcycle stuntman Kangaroo Kid, the Red Devils parachute team and much more.

Tickets for the show, which are discounted until Friday, June 12, are available from 01684 5184924 or threecounties.co.uk.