THE future of shooting and its importance to the economy of rural areas will be pressed home in a debate at the first Game and Country Fair at Malvern's Three Counties Showground.

Leominster MP Bill Wiggin and Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff are among those invited to take part in the forum, joining the chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, Richard Burge.

The forum has been organised by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and will take place on the opening day of the three-day show, Friday, September 6, from 11am until 12.30pm in the Avon Suite.

CLA assistant regional director David Price said the organisation was trying to be forward thinking in drawing up a code of practice for the running of organised shoots, covering areas as diverse as the effect on the environment and gun control.

"We're trying to take a pro-active stance on shoots before anyone else gets hold of it and says we want you to do this, that and the other," he said.

Mr Price said organised shoots contributed greatly to conservation of estates and are worth around £750 million to the rural economy.

The forum is just one part of the Game and Country Fair, which boasts events like gun dog displays and falconry, 4x4 driving course, parachute display teams, fashion theatre and a selection of trade stands.

Show director David Morris said: "The Game and Country Fair aims to promote and celebrate the countryside.

"As well as all of the fun events taking place, such as fishing demonstrations, 4x4 driving courses etc, we also wanted to provide a more serious side, which would really help to open the discussion on key countryside issues."

Enthusiastic cooks will also find a wealth of information at the fair, one of the main attractions being demonstrations by chefs from local hotels including The Talbot at Knightwick.

Advance tickets are available from the Stratford Ticket Agency, on 01926 888000, at £10 for adults, £5 for nine to 18s and £9 for OAPs. A family ticket is £25.