When the Mellin family turn up at Yorkshire's biggest annual show with their border collie, geese, ducks and sheep, the audience is in for a few surprises.
Between them they will put on a display in a new arena at the Great Yorkshire Show for fun activities.
For the audience it will be an eye-opener as in addition to herding sheep, the Mellins will be rounding up ducks and geese. And as 13-year-old Philip and his father Albert display their skills, mother Carol will give a commentary.
"This is something of a family affair," said Mrs Mellin of Moorlodge Farm, Oakworth, near Keighley.
Show organisers are calling the event Creatures: Great and Small and also taking part will be alpacas, Shetland ponies and ferrets. It is hoped it will help keep the turnstiles moving to match last year's record breaking crowd of 135,111. The show at Harrogate showground is from Tuesday, July 10, to Thursday, July 12. Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the organisers Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said: "I'm sure this new arena will be very popular."
The Yorkshire Alpaca Society offers a chance to learn about the creatures and see how their fleeces can be spun. Tickets in advance are £16 for adults with concessions at £13 and £7 for children. A family ticket will cost £42 for two adults and up to three children. On the day they cost £19, £15, £8 and £47. Dogs are not allowed in the showground or car parks. Call 01423 541000 or visit greatyorkshire show.co.uk.
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