Entries are coming in thick and fast for the 191st Otley Show on Saturday, May 22.

Show secretary Janet Raw says planning for the agricultural show - usually the first one held in the country - is getting hectic as the countdown begins in earnest.

And the show has been awarded a Horse of the Year qualifier in the Shire sections - so exhibitors will be travelling from all over in the hope of qualifying for Wembley

"It's definitely getting hectic. The stands people are coming in now but the exhibitors often leave it to the last couple of weeks before they get their entries in," said Mrs Raw.

She added that entries from farming people might be lower than in previous years because of the problems in the farming community including the ban on beef on the bone and hardships faced by pig farmers.

And she added the Easter break had meant that some entries were slower to come in than in previous years.

Mrs Raw said: "Closing date is April 22, so there is still plenty of time for would-be exhibitors to apply for a schedule."

Fresh attractions lined up for this year's event include the South Cheshire Dog Display Team and the Burstow Wildlife Sanctuary.

Unusual animals on show from the sanctuary will include an Indian fruit bat, meerkats, otters, a silver fox and a Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig.

Tickets for the show - at a reduced price before the day - are on sale at the show office in Bridge Street and at shops in the town centre.

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