ATTRACTIONS come in all shapes and sizes at the New Forest Show.

Molly Peters and her family staged their own version of the Little and Large Show yesterday at a special preview of this year's event.

Five-year-old Molly, from Burley, was there to promote the Shetland Pony Grand National, which will be run on all three days of the show.

She and her mount were dwarfed by Prince, a massive shire horse that will take part in the Ringwood Brewery heavy horse musical drive.

With only ten days to go, huge marquees are springing up as the 38-acre showground at New Park, Brockenhurst, bursts into life. Up to 200 people a day are putting in 12-hour shifts to make sure that everything is ready when the gates open on July 27.

Richard Cuzens, the show's chief executive, said: "We've got the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines appearing at the show for the first time plus the sheepdog display, which is always entertaining, because it never goes according to plan.

"We've also got horses, sheep, cattle, caged birds - the list is endless."

Mr Cuzens also referred to improvements costing £43,500, which have taken place since last year's show when torrential rain resulted in a mudbath for spectators and major damage to the east and west rings.

Two stone tracks have been built across the showground, while both rings and the collecting rings have been ploughed up and returfed.

Organisations taking part in this year's event include Forest Friendly Farming, set up in 2001 to develop practical ways of supporting farming, commoning and woodland management.

New Forest Hounds will make their traditional appearance while controversy continues to rage over whether hunting should be banned.

The last attempt to outlaw the bloodsport was defeated in the House of Lords, but the government is set to introduce a new anti-hunting Bill in September.

Celebrities visiting the New Forest Show will include comedy actor David Griffin, who played Emmet, in Keeping up Appearances.