THE traditional Ringwood and Ellingham Show takes place this weekend, with thousands of people expected to attend.

The country show will be held at Somerley Park on Saturday, with attractions from horses and donkeys to dog shows and cattle classes.

A selection of light horse classes will be held, as well as two dressage classes and jumping and working hunter classes as well.

Heavy horses will also be doing a display, with a dog agility competition on offer with categories including most handsome pedigree and waggiest tail.

Hotly-fought contests for the champion rosette and sash will take place between dairy and beef cattle and spruced up rams, ewes and lambs will also be shown at their best.

Always a favourite are the donkeys, with foals of six weeks on show as well as veterans of more than 15 years and older.

To tempt the tastebuds, homemade produce will be on offer in the horticultural tent, with displays ranging from fruit and vegetables to pot plants and flower arrangements.

Cakes, breads and scones along with chutneys, jams and homemade wines will be on sale, with a range of crafts from sewing techniques, card marking and ceramics shown, along with art work and photographs and rural crafts.

A scarecrow competition and the popular fancy-dress contest for four-legged friends will be a draw with falconry displays, shire horses and a parade of champions in the main ring.

Refreshments will be provided in the Ellingham Church Tea Tent and the Ringwood Brewery Beer Tent and more than 150 trade stands will be present with a farmers market.

The Vintage Farm Machinery will bring back memories of bygone days, with youngsters able to enjoy a petting zoo and raptor and reptile marquee.

Michael Lingam-Willgoss from the event said: "We are a traditional country show. We have the vintage farm machinery and traditional classes and shows alongside the trade stands.

"We support local and charitable causes as well. We say Ringwood and Ellingham Show is an event you look forward to and enjoy looking back on."