THE biggest agricultural event in west Dorset's calendar is set to return bigger and better than ever this year, organisers say.

Plans for the 172nd Melplash Agricultural Show are going well and the show’s main ring attraction, freestyle motocross rider Jamie Squibb and his team, has been booked and is expected to thrill the crowd with breathtaking mid-air jumps and stunts.

The show is packed full of exhibits, including livestock, horses, home crafts and horticulture. The programmes for livestock and equine classes, as well as the handicraft, home produce, floral art and horticulture classes, are in the final stages and schedules will be available early May from the show website and from the show office.

Attracting more than 20,000 visitors every year, the show offers a platform for businesses, both locally and from further afield, to promote what they do.

There are more than 400 trade stands at the event each year, selling everything from locally-produced food to tractors.

Bookings for trade stands are now being taken and application forms can be found on the show’s website.

Melplash Show secretary, Lucy Hart, said: “This year’s show, as always, will feature many of the traditional aspects of an agricultural show, as well having new and exciting visitor attractions.

"There will be something for everyone, with lots to see and do.The bookings for trade stands has started extremely well, with very few spaces left already in the popular food hall.

"We aim to ensure a diversity of trade stands and try to avoid too many applications from businesses of a similar nature so advise any business who would like to come along to book early. We are all looking forward to another amazing show day.”

The Melplash Agricultural Show will take place on Thursday, August 22.

For more information, visit melplashshow.co.uk