Wet weather is failing to dampen the enthusiasm of people booking tickets for next week's Great Yorkshire Show.

Ticket sales are already up says show organisers who are confident that despite whatever the elements bring the 149th three-day show will be a big success when the gates open next Tuesday, A record-breaking crowd of 135,111 headed for the showground near Harrogate last year - and those behind the scenes are hoping for even more this time round.

Show director Bill Cowling said: "We have a reputation for presenting a superb show and I am confident that will certainly be the case this year.

"We have record-breaking entries, all our trade space is let and our advance ticket sales are exceptional.

"We have an excellent, well-drained site, and even with all the recent heavy rain the car parks and ground itself have not suffered. It will be business as usual at the show."

Over the three days there will be more than 8,000 competitive entries being judged, with exhibitors from around the country battling it out to take the honours in everything from honey-making to sheep-shearing, as well as the more traditional livestock classes.

Style enthusiasts should make their way to the Skipton Building Society Fashion Pavilion, where garments by some of Yorkshire's best up-and-coming designers will be presented on the catwalk by the Louise Morton Model Agency.

The shows take place daily at 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm and feature the six finalists in a Yorkshire Fashion Idol 2007 competition including Katie Bishop, of Birkenshaw.

Fans of the ITV series Zoo Vet get a chance on Tuesday to meet the programme's star Matt Brash at the Burgess Supafeeds stand where he will be signing copies of his first novel.

The Mellin family, of Moorlodge Farm, Oakworth, Keighley, will also be herding in visitors when they enter a new arena called Creatures: Great and Small.

Dad Albert and 13-year-old son Philip will be rounding up ducks, geese and sheep, while mum Carol runs a commentary.

Advance tickets for the event can be bought up to and including Wednesday or after that date from Morrison Stores and Tourist Infor-mation Centres.

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.

To find out more call (01423) 541222 or log on to www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk