LIVESTOCK breeders from across the two counties will be supporting this year's Three Counties Countryside Show, despite not actually competing.

Last year's foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and the cost implications of protecting against possible infection when this year's show was planned in January, has meant that 23 breed societies are demonstrating their support for both the rural community and the event with displays only.

The Three Counties Agricultural Society, which organises the show, has given breeders grants of £100 each to help towards expenses and will be awarding prize monies to the best three promotional displays in each breed category.

Among the breed groups attending this weekend's event, which runs from Friday June 14 to Sunday June 16 at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, are the Hereford Cattle Society, the Midland Lleyn Sheep Breeders Group, the British Goat Society and the British Pig Association.

Small, controlled groups of cattle will be on display, including Hereford cattle from top breeder Clive Richards, of Lower Hope Herefords, Ullingswick, Herefordshire.

"In spite of the fact that we are unable to stage competitive livestock classes this year, it is our aim to retain the event's traditional farming and countryside focus, so a positive response from so many breed societies is extremely heartening," said Doreen Smillie, Three Counties Countryside Show manager.

An enhanced countryside area will have a "game fair" theme and country sport enthusiasts can choose from fishing, hunting, coursing, ferrets, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, field and target archery and a Gun Dog Scurry.

"The area is dedicated to the management of Britain's greatest natural asset," said Ms Smillie.

She said two seminars each day run by "top experts" would look at the future of rural life.

Lamb carcass judging and daily sheep shearing demonstrations will also be part of the line-up, as well as countryside activities such as game rearing, fly tying, weaving and smithing.

A full programme of equestrian competitions has resulted in more than 1,600 entries, with four new classes for 2002.

"The show is a great opportunity for farmers and others working in land-based industry to source reliable information and business advice," said Ms Smillie.