THE Great Yorkshire Show is celebrating a welcome landmark, as show entries rocket back up to pre-Foot and Mouth levels.

A total of 10,095 entries have been made across the 24 different sections for the 145th Great Yorkshire Show compared to 8,496 in last year, and 10,106 in 2000.

Honorary Show director Christopher Hall said: "We are delighted with the figures. It really is good to see so many people supporting the show.

"The competitive classes are the backbone of the event, particularly the livestock, so given the traumas the industry has suffered, and continues to undergo, it is all the more pleasing.

"We are looking forward to an excellent three days."

Bigger and better is the keyword for the whole show, with several newer attractions seeing a huge boost this year.

From cheese to trees, the show is making steps forward to stay at the cutting edge, and bring in even more visitors.

"The Great Yorkshire Show is a very traditional event but having said that we are always looking to improve it and include new innovations," said Mr Hall.

Conservation is one of the key issues which has grown, seeing the arable and farm conservation centre being updated and expanded, being fitted out with a new conservation pond and a colourful display of novel and traditional crops.

Another conservation feature will see the introduction of "The Forest in Your Life 2003", an exhibit explaining the use of wood and timber in our every day lives.

The art exhibition has this year expanded into its own pavilion, and features an extensive jewellery exhibit alongside.

And, never to be forgotten at the show, the food categories are also branching out.

"Our Great Yorkshire Cheese and Dairy Show has seen entries rise by a third on last year, so we are very pleased with our progress," said Mr Hall.

"It is also the first time we have classes for ice cream, so it is nice to keep seeing new innovations."

The Cheese and Dairy Show Supreme Champion judge Brian Murrell said: "The show made an excellent debut last year, and with such an increase in entries it is clearly held in high regard by producers. I'm very much looking forward to being there."

Updated: 08:39 Wednesday, June 25, 2003