IT was 10 years ago the Three Counties Agricultural Society tentatively launched an Autumn Show as something to fill in its calendar during the last couple of months when a mainly outdoor event can be risked in this unpredictable British climate.

It was an inspired decision, because after a slow start while it found it feet, direction and potential market, what is now known as Malvern Autumn Garden and Country Show - the title underlining its chosen themes - has come on by leaps and bounds.

In 2003 it attracted its best ever attendance, 64,000 over two days, and this year is hoping for at least that and hopefully a few thousand more.

It takes place over next Saturday and Sunday on the Three Counties Showground at Blackmore with its spectacular backdrop of the Malvern Hills.

"Beautiful scented blooms, succulent home-grown produce and a mouthwatering array of tasty regional food and fine wines are just a few of the attractions," said show manager Carol Ritchie.

"Advance ticket bookings have been coming in thick and fast and group bookings on the up too.

"We are delighted that the most diverse of our events, with its charming mix of autumn flowers, harvest produce, native livestock and family entertainment, continues to entice visitors from all over the country."

"It really is the perfect end to the gardening year and because it takes place just 13 weeks before Christmas and boasts around 500 quality tradestands, it's an ideal source of Christmas presents, too."

Autumn is the ideal time to plan for a spectacular garden display next year and when it comes to selecting blooms for the garden, visitors to the event's Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show, which covers more than 5,000 square metres, will quite literally be spoilt for choice.

Indeed, it's the last chance of the season to see the RHS Flower Show, housing everything from acers, dahlias and sweet peas to heathers, hederas and hostas.

September is the best time to plant out and Malvern's many bargain plant buys and expert advice will ensure that even the most inexperienced gardener gets off to a good start ready for the new year.

For amateur growers, it's the perfect opportunity to compare notes and swap growing tips with fellow-enthusiasts in the Open Gardening competition and The Midlands Vegetable Society Championships.

New to the Show this year is a fully-interactive Children's Farm Park, where little ones can enjoy getting close to rabbits, cavies, chickens, cows and sheep, the English Gundog Championships, and first class entertainment from the Vander Brothers Triple Wheel.

Youngsters who enjoy getting their hands dirty can also join in the pottery workshops with artist Jon Williams of Eastnor Pottery, who'll be running sessions on creating funky fruits.

Much of the event's appeal comes from its mix of attractions, and regular visitors will be pleased to see the return of European and American wolves, dog agility, vintage cars and machinery, an inspirational cookery theatre and an action-packed activity arena.