Malvern's Autumn Garden and Country Show wouldn't be the same without its giant pumpkins and marrows, but just look at what else is on offer, too, says Mike Pryce

Husky racing, mangold hurling and Antony Worrall Thompson are just some of the attractions at the Malvern Autumn Garden and Country Show on the Three Counties Showground over the weekend of September 23-24.

However, the celebrity chef won't be chasing hairy dogs or flinging a root vegetable, but demonstrating some of his many culinary skills in the event's cookery theatre.

He will be appearing on the second day of the show, Sunday, September 24, as part of a revitalised programme designed to build on the event's growing popularity.

Now in its 12th year, the Autumn Show drew more than 62,000 visitors in 2005 and organiser the Three Counties Agricultural Society is adding new interest to the tried and tested mix of fresh veg, country crafts, flower displays, native livestock and speciality foods, and hopes to entice more families to come along and enjoy a fun-packed day out.

Show manager Carol Ritchie said: "The Malvern Autumn Garden and Country Show attracts thousands of gardening enthusiasts who come to see the medal-winning floral and vegetable displays, pick up gardening tips from experts and amateur growers alike, or snap up a plant bargain to take home.

"The Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show, covering more than 5,000 square metres, and the magnificent Harvest Pavilion, which is probably one of the country's largest amateur gatherings, are confirmed favourites, and a real draw for gardeners and non-gardeners alike.

"But it's not just a show for gardeners. It's an event that really does have something to interest all ages, and we would like to encourage more families to come along and enjoy the many attractions that make for a fun-packed, value for money day out.

"Little ones can get close up with rabbits, chickens, cows, pigs and sheep at the Children's Farm Park and in the World of Animals. They can even enter a pet show.

"They can also join Jon Williams of Eastnor Pottery to create some funky pottery at the special workshops, and volunteer to help out in the Paws 4 Thought dog display,

"Older children will perhaps enjoy mooching round the fun fair, marvelling at the sleek and powerful E-Type jaguars in the vintage car display and the giant vegetables, or watching the lively gymnastic displays."

As a registered charity, with a strong commitment to education, TCAS has a pivotal role to play in promoting awareness of the rural environment, and is dedicated to preserving the many traditional skills, crafts and pastimes of the countryside.

Senior visitors can enjoy a trip down memory lane to re-familiarise themselves with some of the old skills and gadgets of their childhood, such as perry-making, stick-making, vintage lawnmowers and many more.

Cookery enthusiasts should head for the show's Cookery Theatre, where, as well as Mr Worrall Thompson, local chefs will be creating a feast of tasty dishes using regional ingredients, and with Christmas just over the horizon, there are around 500 trade stands from which to buy unusual, quality gifts.

Other attractions include the Festival of Food and Wine, birds of prey, vintage tractors and an action-packed activity arena.

Dates, times and prices

* The Malvern Autumn Garden & Country Show takes place at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, on Saturday-Sunday, September 23-24, 2006.

* Opening Times:

9am- 6pm.

* On the day admission: Adults: £12.50. Child: £5. Family: £28. Children under 5 admitted fre. Parking free. Guide dogs/assistance dogs only (one per visitor). Gold parking: £10

How to get there

By car: From Worcester, take the A449 to Malvern. In Malvern Wells, turn left on to the B4209 (signposted Upton, Three Counties Showground). The 11-mile journey takes about 20 minutes.

By train: The nearest railway station to the Showground is Great Malvern, about three miles away.