A farming paradise is set to thrill families as the Great Yorkshire Show gets underway today.

Visitors to the Harrogate spectacle can peruse cattle, sheep, pigs and goats at the Great Yorkshire showground site, revel in a cheese and dairy extravaganza, or breathe in the agricultural muscle on display.

A four metre Yorkshire Man of Steel sculpture - a scaled down version of the Rotherham original - can be found on the President's Lawn throughout the show, and is expected to capture the imaginations of onlookers as it takes pride of place at the festival.

Other highlights for 2014 include the Cock O'the North Show Jumping Championship, The Barber Steam Engine - a 20 tonne locomotive, and the BBC's WW1 at home roadshow, which gives people the chance to chart their family's history.

Butchers from the county will put their skills to the test as they come face to face with their counterparts from New Zealand and Australia during the Tri-Nations Butchery Competition near the Food Halls.

Gates open from 7.30am to 7.30pm today and tomorrow, and from 7.30am to 6.30pm on Thursday.

Ticket prices range from £22 to £55 and can be bought on the gate or over the phone by calling (01423) 541222.