ORGANISERS of next week's Three Counties Summer Show are determined to give rural life a boost with a new event aimed squarely at the family and with fun as its main ingredient.

The spectre of a now six month-old foot and mouth crisis put paid to the Three Counties Agricultural Society's annual show in June and ultimately means no livestock interest in this, its 'replacement'.

But the society has adapted and, as well as inheriting a lot of activities usually seen in June, has embraced a whole new world of entertainment that will see it hosting everything from cookery and motors to a gardeners market and 4x4 driving course.

"It's been a difficult year but we think we've put together a really good show," said the Society's spokesman Sharon Gilbert.

"In light of the circumstances we have gone ahead with the show and the response has been very good. People are very supportive."

A charity itself, the impact of the crisis on the agricultural community has not been lost on the society, she went on.

Indeed, The Stress In The Countryside Appeal, led by TCAS President Sally Clive, and backed by the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, is set to benefit from a sponsored 'reverse bungee jump' event at the show.

"Foot and mouth affected everyone and the reason behind going ahead with this show is the fact that we, as an Agricultural Society, want to support people involved with rural enterprise," she added.

The only thing TCAS needs now is a repeat of the weather associated with June.

Over five hundred traders will have stands at the show and highlights include main arena entertainment, such as the Flying Gunners Motorcycle Display Team, countryside Area entertainment, such as vintage tractors and farriery and three days of equestrian events including Horse of the Year qualifier, the Daewoo Grand Prix.

There will also be the 'Slice of Herefordshire' exhibit and a Legends concert that will include tributes to Elvis Presley and Tina Turner.

For Malvern chef Kevin Capper the show will also provide a spell in the spotlight when he takes to the stage of a Cookery Theatre created as part of an Advantage West Midlands Food Fayre.

White Season chef Kevin will be leaving the kitchens of his Church Street restaurant to cook up a fish meal for onlookers.

On Sunday he will be back to compere all the cookery sessions that day.

"I've never done this before but if there are two things I can do in life it's cooking and talking," said the 35 year-old Malvernian.

"I've got to cook with my face on a videoscreen and talk to everybody at the same time - really good fun!"

Family tickets for the Three Counties Summer Show cost £20 on the day (£16 advance). Adults and Senior Citizen's cost £9 on the day (£7.50 adults, £7 senior citizens in advance) and children are £1 in advance and £2 on the day.

Entrance tickets include admission to the Big Bike Show and the BMW Bike International Club Show, which are being staged as part of the TCAS event.

The show runs from Friday, August 17, until Sunday, August 19, from 8.30am until 7pm and the ticket hotline is 01684 584924.