PREPARATIONS are underway for the last major agricultural event of the season when up to 15,000 people are expected at the Nidderdale Show..

The ‘Pateley Show’ as it is often known has been held in the Yorkshire Dales honeypot town of Pateley Bridge since it was first held in 1895. It's now grown into one of the leading shows in the region with sheep and and horse events top of the agenda.

This year on Monday September 23 it's in the middle of the UCI World Road Cycling Championships. Although there are no races around Pateley Bridge on show day, there are events around Harrogate and visitors are urged to follow diversion signs and plan their route.

A major attraction in the main arena will be 'The Working Year' a demonstration by heavy horses in harness. Other events include the sheep dog trials,dog show, show jumping, livestock classes, cookery demonstrations and an exhibition cricket match.

A spokesman said: "It's become one of the most popular shows in the agricultural calendar and because it is the final one it's often seen as a last chance for many people to get together and compare notes before the end of the show season.

"We've always prided ourselves on having something for everyone and the setting is beautiful in the heart of Bewerley Park, surrounded by the Dales. Our heavy horse display is a real bonus, it's a celebration of these magnificent gentle giants as they take you on a journey depicting the agricultural working year.