Eastnor Castle's biggest event of the year, the Steam Fair and Country Show, is expected to attract over 6,000 visitors on Monday and Tuesday, June 3-4.

This will be the fifth year the venue has staged the show and organisers are hopeful that last year's record-breaking successes will be repeated.

Event spokesman Ben Leeke said: "This year, we have expanded the festival, with more attractions and activities."

Britain's best-known steeplejack, Fred Dibnah, will be in action on Atlas, the mighty traction engine.

Mr Dibnah helped Eastnor's owner, James Hervey-Bathurst to restore Atlas to its former glory.

The television celebrity, who has recently finished his latest BBC serial, Fred Dibnah's Magnificent Monuments, will be at the castle on the Tuesday, when he will lead a nostalgic procession of working steam engines on roads crossing the Malvern Hills.

For the first time at Eastnor, sheep will be sheared publicly by Shaun the Sheep Shearer. There will also be ferret racing, for the coveted "Ferreters' Trophy".

Apart from the impressive line-up of working steam engines and models, other attractions will include have a go sessions for archery and fly-fishing.

There will also be horse and carriage driving and expert demonstrations of falconry and gun dogs.

Music will be provided by the Malvern Hills Brass Band. Local ciders and beers will be on sale, together with "hot Herefordshire food."

The castle will be open from 11am to 5pm, on both days.

Tickets are £3.50 for adults, senior citizens £2.75, children £2. Tickets cover the steam fair and grounds, entrance to castle extra. For further details ring 01531 633160.