THE COUNTDOWN is on to New Forest Show 2003 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 ferrets and terriers racing - separately! That's 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?" said Mrs Neylon.

Visitors to the arena will also get the chance to try their hand at fly-fishing and small-bore rifle shooting, and a detour to keepers corner will reveal the work of the local teams who protect and rear game. The New Forest Show at New Park, Brockenhurst, will take place on July 29-31.