ORGANISERS of this year’s Royal Three Counties Show are urging visitors not to be put off by poor weather forecasts for the weekend.

The show, which starts today (Friday) and runs until Sunday, is expecting to see record numbers of sheep flocking from all corners of the UK, with over 50 breeds competing.

It will be welcoming 3,000 sheep entries over the weekend.

The show, which plays host to a number of national breed society shows, will be also be welcoming 28 breeds of cattle, 11 breeds of goats and 14 breeds of pigs in over 900 classes.

This year’s event will also host several firsts, including the Toggenburg Breeders Society National Show and People’s Choice Pig, a new addition that will allow visitors to try their hand at judging by voting for their favourite.

A spokesman said: “Please don’t let the weather put you off; besides the many outdoor attractions, we have plenty to see undercover from rabbits to prize bulls. There is a large indoor food hall and the showground has tarmac avenues.

“Why not pop your wellies on and come and see the nation’s favourite farmers, Adam Henson and Jimmy Doherty? Adam is here all three days and Jimmy on Sunday.”

Mr Henson, owner of a 1,600-acre working farm in the Cotswolds, has recently spoken out to demand a GCSE in Agriculture after claiming people are not making informed choices around food.

The food and drink hall showcases the very best national and local produce, with plenty of tasty treats to try, whilst the Cookery Theatre in the Severn Hall will show off a range of dishes whizzed up from produce at the show. A cider festival and cheese and dairy produce show will also take place.

The Gardening Hub returns for its second year with host, local gardening expert Reg Moule.

Here, visitors can take part in a gardening question-and-answer session, learn how to re-pot an orchid and find out about keeping chickens.

Also home to the flower show and an orchid exhibition, the Gardening Hub is the ideal place for visitors to pick up summer blooms and inspiration for their own gardens.

Set in the showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills, the show is expected to attract more than 90,000 visitors over the weekend.