Equestrian events back on Shropshire County Show programme

And the show will again feature a pontoon across the River Severn creating a short cut between Shrewsbury town centre and the showground.

The event will take place on May 24.

Show chairman Bernie Hutchinson said: "So many visitors asked us where the horses were last year that we all agreed that they should return this year."

Christine Madely, chairman of the horse show, added: "I am really pleased the horse show is returning as part of the main event. Whilst we had lots of competitors at the stand-alone horse show last year we didn't attract quite so many spectators.

"I expect the quantity and the quality of our entries will be up when competitors know it will be part of the prestigious County Show."

The pontoon across the River Severn will return this year after a successful trial last year – the first time a pontoon had been used at the show for more than two decades.

Mr Hutchinson said: "This short cut to the showground will help easy access across the river and we really hope it will help to bring town and country together.

"Any doubts we had that people would make use of it and that it would be stable and safe have all been dispelled and we are more confident that even more visitors will avail themselves of this fantastic facility."

To encourage more families to attend, admission will be free for children under 11 with other concessions for youngsters.

Organisers said that while the show would continue to represent agriculture at its very best in the county, it would offer even more to young people and families.

Mr Hutchinson said: "An even bigger poultry show which has been moved to the Berwick Pavilion and which attracts large numbers of young people and their families, many more attractions including the child zone, a funfair, new main arena events and even more farm machinery than ever before are all part of our attempt to provide something for everyone.

"I have also been greatly heartened by the number of merchants, local traders and agricultural suppliers who have already committed to what will be a one day show."

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