West Mid Show is free for children

Children going to this year's West Mid Show in Shrewsbury will get in for free for the first time in the show's history, organisers announced today.

The recession-busting move is designed to attract high numbers of visitors to the event at the West Mid Showground, in Berwick Road, on Saturday and Sunday.

Gary Tudor, commercial director of the show, said the move would apply to under-16s attending the show.

Under the scheme, the child will get free entry if accompanied by a paying adult.

Mr Tudor said the decision had been taken to ensure that the show remained one of the best attended family events in the region during the economic slump.

He said: "It's a deliberate policy to ensure that the West Mid Show retains its position as the top family show, offering the best value for money day out in the county this year."

Final preparations for the show are currently under way and attractions are due to include an RAF Spitfire display, Roman chariot racing, a Wild West spectacular and the chance to meet TV stars like naturalist David Bellamy and chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Further details are on www.west midshow.co.uk