FINAL preparations are under way for the 117th Malton Show this week.

Livestock classes will be making a welcome return after a gap of three years, along with a host of familiar favourites and some new attractions.

Cattle, sheep and goats will be welcomed back to the show, now that tight restrictions imposed in the wake of the devastating foot and mouth epidemic have been relaxed.

After the disappointments of the last two years, when the 2001 show had to be cancelled, and the 2002 event lacked many of the livestock classes, show secretary Jenny Bird said entries were looking good.

"We have about 60 entries in the cattle classes, and I think really that makes the show."

Mrs Bird said entries in the horse classes - everything from show jumping to fancy dress on horseback - were at record levels.

For the first time there will be a farmers' market at the show, adding to the huge variety of stalls and trade stands traditionally anticipated by visitors to the annual event.

Vintage machinery will be on display once more, and for the first time there will be a competitive edge to their appearance at the showground.

"We have got new cups ready for the first time," she said.

"The machinery is always popular and will be judged for the first time." The 2003 craft tent promises to be bigger and better than ever, said Mrs Bird.

Cross stitch embroidery, pin cushions and sweaters will be some of the handicrafts on offer, and close by talented cooks will be battling out with recipes for chutneys, jams and butterfly buns.

Although the cattle will be back in force, Mrs Bird said that for this year they would be unable to take part in the grand parade.

But plenty of other competitors will be on show as part of Thursday's great family day out.

Mrs Bird said everyone had stepped up a gear to get everything finished on time.

"It's nearly all coming together now, I think," she said.

"We started with the rosettes, sorting them out, and the prize money has been ordered ready to go in the envelopes for winners."

The gates to the ground at Scampston Park, near Rillington, open at 8am and admission is £5 for adults and £3 for children and senior citizens.

Updated: 10:05 Tuesday, June 24, 2003