THE livestock competitions and animal displays will return to the Westmorland County Show this year.

“Our principle sheep section is running on Wednesday and the cattle section is running on Thursday,” said Christine Knipe, chief executive of the Westmorland County Agricultural Society.

Mrs Knipe said a rare and minority breed sheep show was being held on the Thursday.

“We are on track for record entries for the eighth consecutive year in our sheep section,” she said.

“We have 32 different breeds represented in their own sections in the sheep, along with the rare and minority breeds on the second day, while the cattle section includes classes for both beef and dairy and young handler classes.”

She said the main ring programme was being extended and that showjumping classes were to be increased.

A new ‘ride and drive’ event is to be introduced that will see teams of two competing over a course.

READ MORE: County show to return in two-day format

One will ride a horse over fences before another competitor, a young farmer, will ride an all-terrain vehicle around a course. The times will then be added together.

Mrs Knipe said that, because of avian restrictions, the usual live poultry show would not be going ahead.

“However, our poultry committee have rallied and are going to have an egg show,” she said.

New to the show this year will be rabbit displays. These will be non-competitive.

In the equine village, there will be a brand-new traditional gypsy cob section.

There will also be goats, alpacas, pigs and a kennel dog show that is expected to bring around 50 entries.