HUGE traffic jams that marked last year's Ellingham Show will not mar this year's event on Saturday, says its president Lord Normanton.

Lord Normanton, owner of Somerley Estate which hosts the popular country show for the 58th time, said: "After the traffic problems experienced last year, I undertook personal control of this year's arrangements, and working closely with the police and other local authorities, we are confident that getting into this year's show will not cause any problems."

Like last year, the Ellingham Church entrance to Somerley Park will not be used, which will keep the A338 between Ringwood and Fordingbridge flowing freely.

However, as well as the usual Ashley entrance, there will be two off the Alderholt road. A fourth entrance has been made available at Harbridge village to enable traffic from the north to get into the showground.

And there will also be two car parks this year, instead of the usual one.

Proceeds from the shows go to a variety of local and national charities and good causes. The president's 25 per cent donation (£1,200) from last year's show will go to the Ringwood-based Silver Birch Link of the Chernobyl Children Life Line.

Lord Normanton said: "I have been touched by the work of local families who host a month's recuperative break for the children, some of whom I have met."

Silver Birch Link chairman Sue Molden was "over the moon" and said the money would pay for four children to travel to the UK next year.

"It puts your faith back in people. There's a lot of good people out there," she said.

This year's Ellingham Show will feature old favourites like the Shetland Pony Grand National, cattle and donkey competitions, the dog with the waggiest tail, craft tent, horticultural marquee and vintage vehicles.

Sheepdog and falconry displays will feature in the main ring, as will the heavy horses and a fancy dress parade for animals and their owners.

There will also be a scarecrow dressing competition, Ringwood Pipe Band, Punch & Judy and more than 100 trade stands.

Gates open at 9am with parking and children free.