THE final preparations were being made this week for what promises to be a first-class Vale of Evesham Show.

The show takes place at Moyfield Riding School, South Littleton, on Sunday with horse events getting under way at 9.30am, cattle at 11.30pm and sheep at noon, with a host of other activities going on throughout the day.

"We're looking forward to a really good day again," said show chairman Tony Bomford. "A successful show will help us add to the sum of almost £6,000 that we've donated to local charities over the past few years."

Entries this year are promising. "There's great interest in the horse and pony section from even further afield, judging by the requests we've had for schedules," Mr Bomford said.

New to the horse rings this year is an award for the most stylish rider, given to the rider who, in the opinion of the judge, demonstrates the most pleasing overall impression of horsemanship throughout the class.

"Cattle and sheep entries are coming in well and the dog show is always very well supported," Mr Bomford said.

The cattle section includes six classes and a championship for Dexters, and classes and championships for beef cattle, dairy and dual purpose, minor native breeds, commercial, Highland, interbreed pairs and an interbreed championship.

In the sheep lines there are classes for native and continental breeds with championships and an interbreed championship.

Steam and vintage vehicles are always a feature of the Vale of Evesham Autumn Show and this year for the first time a trophy in the form of an old-fashioned steam roller on a plinth will be presented. "We hope it will encourage an even bigger turn-out in the steam and vintage section," Mr Bomford said.