Thousands flock to Great Yorkshire Show

An equestrian acrobatics display is set to impress crowds at the Great Yorkshire Show

Thousands of people flocked to the first day of the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate, England's biggest agricultural event.

The 156th Great Yorkshire Show in the spa town, North Yorkshire, comes after 2.5 million spectators turned out for the Tour de France at the weekend.

Organisers hope to smash the current attendance record of 135,111 over three days which was set in 2006.

It fell just short of the mark last year with 134,837 visitors.

About 6,000 animals will go before the judges

About 6,000 cattle, sheep, pigs and horses will go before the judges over the three-day event.

It will also boast its first ladies sheep shearing competition, as well as an equestrian acrobatic display and demonstrations of country skills.

Bill Cowling, show director said: "We're looking forward to an amazing three days. With two royal visitors and record entries, all the signs are that it will be a truly great Yorkshire Show."

The 2012 event was cancelled after one day for the first time in its history due to heavy rain, at a cost of £2m.