Plans are gathering pace for this year's Romsey Show, which takes place at Broadlands Park on Saturday, September 13th.

Now confirmed as the main attraction are The Devil's Horsemen, a Wild West show modelled on that staged by Buffalo Bill in 1896.

Comprising displays of horsemanship, shooting skill and cold courage, it is a re-enactment of a murderous attack on the Deadwood Stage and its passengers by brutal gunslingers.

Other main ring events include field gun displays by teams from the Portsmouth Area Volunteer Cadet Corps, a showcase of American Saddlebred horses, heavy horse competitions, side-saddle demonstrations and music by the Medina Marching Band.

A separate countryside ring will feature falconry displays, a farrier at work, a professional gundog trainer, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, terrier racing, a heavy horse tug-of-war and a family dog show.

Other events being organised are a fur and feather show with rabbits, cavies and poultry; a Hampshire Harvest food hall selling a wide range of local produce and demonstrations by organisations working in and for rural affairs.

Attractions staged by local groups include an art exhibition, cage bird show, bees and honey, home made wine and beer, the WI, horticulture and floral arrangement competitions.

The Romsey Agricultural and Horse Show Society was formed in 1842 for "the encouragement of the breeding of horses and livestock, good husbandry and skilled labour".

This interest continues today, with over 100 horse and donkey classes and new cattle classes, including Simmental beef. Schedules for these classes will be available mid-May from the show office, telephone 01794 517521.

A new event being held by the society this year is a barn dance at Dene Farm, Nether Wallop, on June 7th to raise money for Image of Agriculture, a campaign promoting the effect of farming on the countryside and its direct link with food.

Romsey Show is a charity dedicated to the promotion of agriculture, forestry, horticulture, rural crafts and the breeding of livestock and horses.

Said secretary, Annie Carder: "It is an opportunity to visit the countryside near the town and enjoy a wide variety of rural activities".