THE 2016 Royal Three Counties Show "mooved" into first gear when it was launched at Hereford Cathedral in the presence of Champion Hereford Bull Ronaldo.

Herefordshire is the host of this year's event – which takes place on the Malvern showground from Friday, June 17 until Sunday, June 19 – and to celebrate Ronald came together with a collection of representatives from the county as they paid homage to the show’s Herefordshire heritage, standing just footsteps away from where the Three Counties Agricultural Society was founded in 1797.

Ken Nottage, chief executive of the Three Counties, said: “This year is a truly exciting year for Herefordshire as we showcase the bountiful offering the county contributes to the farming and livestock worlds. The Three Counties Agricultural Society is deeply rooted in Herefordshire and it was an immense pleasure to return to where it all began. This year is to be a momentous one for the Royal Three Counties Show as we also welcome the Princess Royal and the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery. We cannot wait to share the show with our great many visitors as we open the gates in June.”

Champion Bull Ronaldo is from the Westons Cider Bounds Polls Hereford herd and the Very Reverend Michael Tavinor, Dean of Hereford Cathedral, said: “It’s a real pleasure for Hereford Cathedral to host the launch of what is a landmark event in the county’s calendar.

Agriculture is at the heart of Herefordshire and we are proud to have such a thriving farming community. I must say Ronaldo has to be one of our most unusual visitors to the cathedral, but what better way to celebrate the fantastic show we have on our doorsteps."