DEADLINES are rapidly approaching for some classes at this year's Moreton Show which takes place on September 5.

More than 2,000 cows, horses, sheep, pigs, dogs and goats will be on show at one of the country’s biggest one-day agricultural show.

Friday July 31 is the last day to enter cattle, sheep and pigs while goats, show horses and ponies need to be entered by August 1. Those entering the showjumping classes have until August 27 to put their names forward.

"This is the Olympic Games of farming and the countryside,’ said Moreton Show livestock secretary, Lynne Parkes. "The livestock and animals are a huge attraction for both the farming and non-farming visitors. They’re the heart and soul of the show.

"If you’ve never seen a Hereford bull having a shampoo and blow dry - this is the place to be,’ she added. "Our livestock classes include some of the most pampered prime beef in the land and it’s wonderful to see them on parade. It’s a great display of traditional farming and showcases the very best in modern agriculture."

The showjumping and horse showing classes include qualifiers for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show at the NEC in Birmingham in October and attract leading riders and equestrian enthusiasts from all over the UK. Head of Equestrian Classes, Liz Day said: "We’re looking forward to one of our best ever years. The popularity of equestrian sport is growing fast and there’s a real enthusiasm for showing horses and ponies amongst people of all ages.

"We have classes for almost every type of horse, from hunters and top sport horses to Dartmoor and Shetland ponies. The side saddle class where riders wear traditional costumes looks so elegant and all the riders and horses are beautifully turned out. And for fun, we even have a mounted fancy dress competition."