A PACKED calender of events is lined up for 2003 at the Three Counties Showground.

Nearly 90 separate shows catering for all kinds of hobbies and interests are pencilled in for the Malvern venue, ranging from bike bikes to mushroom growers, Arab horses to pedigree rottweilers and motor homes to Mini cars.

The Spring Gardening Show in May is the first of five events organised by the Three Counties Agricultural Society (TCAS). The TCAS Championship Dog Show follows in June, with the Three Counties Countryside Show immediately afterwards.

The Autumn Garden and Country Show will take place in September with the Three Counties Fireworks Spectacular rounding off TCAS' year on November 1.

Man's best friend features heavily in the provisional line-up for the year, with the first event on the calendar, Evesham Dog Show, on January 4.

Other events are being organised by various canine societies including shows for gundogs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, flat-coated retrievers, rottweilers, Irish wolfhounds, labradors, cocker spaniels, retrievers, dachshunds, Afghan hounds.

Not to be outdone, equine enthusiasts have also made several bookings, with functions for Arab horses, Shetland ponies and bloodstock sales.

Motor enthusiasts are also well catered for with boats, tractors, motorbikes, motor homes, caravans, Volkswagens, kit cars and vans all featuring throughout the year.

Toy shows, antiques, flea markets and collectors' fairs, militaria events and a Masonic banquet are also taking place.

A complete diary for the showground can be downloaded at www.threecounties.co.uk.

More information on the events is available from TCAS on 01684 584900.