AFTER an enforced break last year due to foot-and-mouth, the Three Counties Show returns to its Malvern showground this weekend.

From Friday to Sunday, the 70-acre show site at Blackmore will be packed with exhibits, entertainment and attractions for all the family, making it one of the biggest countryside bonanzas in the Midlands.

More than 110,000 visitors are expected through the gates during the three days to enjoy everything from international showjumping, skydiving and a top motorcycle display team to a feast of food in a massive specialist marquee, plus, of course, browsing around the 700 tradestands.

Even one of the show's old-time favourites, grass track racing in the main arena on the final evening, makes a return this year after missing for more than a decade.

"We are thrilled to be able to stage the show again after last year's disappointment," said press officer Sharon Gilbert.

One of the most prominent changes - probably scarcely noticed by the general public - is a subtle name change for the event, which is now known as the Three Counties Countryside Show.

Although it won't feature livestock competitions this year because of restrictions, it will incorporate livestock displays of both Gloucester and Hereford cattle and 23 breed societies will be exhibiting.

Horses will be present as always, and running alongside the show's equestrian competitions, which have attracted more than 1,600 entries, will be the popular Shetland Pony Grand National, the parades of hounds, harness racing and six show jumping classes.

Among the new classes this year is an elegant Costume Concours D'Elegance for side-saddle riders.

Despite there being no livestock competitions, the event will retain agriculture and the countryside at its heart, and will have a strong farming focus and a greatly enhanced countryside area.

It will provide farmers and country lovers with a reliable source of information and business advice, and a much-needed venue where they can meet and socialise.

The South West Regional Development Agency is sponsoring the Gloucestershire Food and Drink Marquee, introducing growers to buyers and featuring a cookery theatre and farmers markets.

This year will also see the return of the New Ideas Competition and the Farm Competition, both casualties of the foot-and-mouth crisis, together with a designated area for smallholders.

New this year will be a Game Fair style section. The Three Counties Agricultural Society has enlisted the support of both local groups and national organisations, including the Countryside Alliance, the Country Land and Business Association and the Countryside Foundation for Education.

The emphasis in this area will be on hands-on activities, demonstrations and competitions, including game rearing, fly tying, weaving and smithing.

Show organisers also plan to hold a Gun Dog Scurry, while devotees of both laser and 12-bore clay pigeon shooting will be able to enjoy a testing woodland layout, expert advice and plenty of fun.

Practised shots are invited to tackle a new 50-bird sporting layout, designed by John Clements of the South Worcester Shooting Ground, and there will be prizes every day.

Enthusiastic amateurs are also welcome in the "have-a-go" section, and can take advantage of some friendly expert coaching and comfortable guns with low recoil cartridges. There's also a Rifle Range supervised by the National Small Bore Rifle Association (NSRA).

Shooting is just one of a whole host of country sports featuring at Malvern this year, and country sport enthusiasts can take their pick from fishing, hunting, coursing, ferrets and falconry. Visitors can also enjoy field and target archery and a catapult range.

The countryside section is dedicated to the management of Britain's greatest natural asset, and each day there will be two seminars, entitled The Countryside Jigsaw.

Countryside Arena entertainment features gun dogs, heavy horses and terrier racing together with Horse Whisperer, Gary Witheford and Tellington Touch horse and dog healer, Sarah Fisher.

In line with its charitable objectives, TCAS is committed to education across a much wider group.

There will also be a packed programme of main arena entertainment, which includes the Red Devils Parachute Regiment Freefall Team, the Royal Signals White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team, Gus Dermody and his sheepdogs, hot air balloons and local Pony Club activities.

On and -on Sunday evening evening - grass track racing, the general public will be invited to learn about everything from local food production and rural crafts to village life and countryside management.

Big-name quality tradestands, selling everything from country clothing, fishing tackle and game rearing equipment, to specialist feeds, 4x4 vehicles and saddlery will form the basis of a unique countryside shopping experience.

The Three Counties Show has always been an excellent resource for National Curriculum activity, and Friday has been declared a special Schools Day. There is, indeed, something for everyone.

6 The Three Counties Countryside Show is open 9am until 6pm from Friday, June 14 until Sunday June 16.

Daily admission prices, adults £11, senior citizens £9, children £5. A family ticket (two adults and three children) costs £24.