The countdown to this year's New Forest Show has begun and organisers have vowed that whatever the glamorous entertainment on offer, countryside issues will always remain centre stage.

With just over a month to go, show spokesman, Jackie Neylon, is urging visitors to make a beeline for the agricultural exhibits and learn something about rural life.

"The countryside arena typifies the whole essence of the show," she said.

"This year, the arena has been expanded with more educational and entertaining contents than ever. Some events are great fun, like the ferret and terrier races which are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

"But you can also learn, for example, about the role played by ferrets in the management of the countryside, particularly in pest control."

The countryside arena will also feature regular demonstrations by different types of hound: "Did you know that gaze-hounds use their eyes instead of their noses for tracking?"

Show-goers be able to to try their hand at fly-fishing and small-bore rifle shooting.

The show takes place at New Park, Brockenhurst, from July 29th to 31st.