Plans are well under way for the 2004 Great Yorkshire Show, one of the premier events on the British summer calendar.

The organisers - the Yorkshire Agricultural Society - expect more than 120,000 visitors through the gates between Tuesday July 13 and Thursday July 15.

A showcase for the best and latest in the farming industry, a snapshot of the many different elements of the countryside and a packed programme of entertainment combine to provide a great day out.

The animals remain at the heart of the event, with 8,000-plus expected in the competitive classes, ranging from international show jumpers to champion bulls and exotic poultry.

Hundreds of stands will provide the opportunity to shop till you drop.

A new addition to the show is The Alternative Farming Centre, with the former Arable Area re-focused to give a more 21st Century feel.

The centre will include demonstration crops - for example, oilseed rape grown for bio-diesel fuel, camelina, which is important in the cosmetics industry and spring barley grown for malting.

In addition there will be dry stone walling and examples of wrought ironwork.

It is also hoped to feature alpacas and wild boar.

Katy Cropper is bringing her entertaining sheepdog display to The Country Pursuits Area.

There will be demonstrations of fly fishing, gun dog training and falconry in the natural amphitheatre overlooking the casting ponds.

There will also be eagles, foxhounds, lurchers, terriers and ferrets.

The Parade of Hounds, on the last day of the show, will focus on the future of hunting.

As well as the traditional involvement of several of the region's hunts, it is hoped youngsters from hunt pony clubs and puppy walkers will take part.

The Forestry Area has grown in appeal over the last five years and features competitions including pole climbing, stick making, wood carving, marquetry and wood turning. The Great British Pole Climbing Championships have been held at the show for a number of years.

Within the pavilion, an exhibition called The Forest In Your Life focuses on the important part played by trees in cleaning the atmosphere.

In addition the full programme of events will include chainsaw carving, horse logging as well as the related stands and organisations.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society is committed to supporting regional food producers.

This year's show will highlight the best of regional fare, particularly within The Food Hall.

Launched in 2001, the Great Yorkshire Cheese & Dairy Show has grown tremendously in popularity.

As well as featuring the traditional cheese classes, there are sections for ice cream, butter, yoghurt as well as new classes for children to try their skills at cheese tasting.

Sir Ken Morrison, chairman of Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc, sponsors of this section, will present the main awards.