ADMISSION prices at the New Forest Show are being frozen for the third year running to help families beat the credit crunch.

Held at New Park, Brockenhurst, the three-day spectacular attracts more than 90,000 visitors a year.

However, rising unemployment, plunging house values and falling interest rates have resulted in thousands of families being forced to tighten their belts and so show bosses have decided not to raise admission prices in a bid to help people struggling in the downturn.

Chief executive, Richard Cuzens, said: “These are difficult economic circumstances and we recognise that everyone is having a tough time.

“Rather than put our prices up by 50p or £1, we have decided to keep them as they are for the third year running.”

The price freeze, coupled with predictions of a hot summer and the collapse in the value of the pound, could result in a bumper attendance figure at this year’s show.

Mr Cuzens added: “More people will be holidaying in the UK this year rather than travelling abroad.

“We hope what we’re doing will enable a significant number to visit New Park and have a really good day out.”

Organisers say they are particularly keen to see more children at the show and so every adult and pensioner who purchases a ticket before July 1 will be entitled to a free child’s ticket.

This replaces the previous policy of providing discounts for people who bought tickets in advance.