THE Yorkshire Agricultural Society's flagship autumn event is returning for another year with fun for the whole family.

Thousands of visitors will flock to Countryside Live on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday 18 to enjoy hands-on activities from archery to ferret racing, as well as a chance to see some top class livestock and entertainment displays.

Held at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, the event is deemed the little sister of the annual Great Yorkshire Show and will be the 13th Countryside Live event.

Entries have already been pouring in for cattle, sheep, equine, poultry, pigeons and honey and the talented showjumper competition returns for another year. This year's competition will be hosted by Olympic experts Graham and Tina Fletcher.

Elsewhere across the showground, there will be plenty of entertainment for children to enjoy, including dog agility displays, birds of prey demonstrations and pony rides.

There will also be dozens of trade stands for visitors to browse with everything from jewellery to local food and drink from across the region.

This year's event also welcomes a new honorary show director, Charles Mills, who takes over from Bill Cowling who is stepping down after 10 years in the role.

Society chairman Simon Theakston said he was thrilled to welcome Charles into his new role.

He said: "I am delighted that Charles is to be our new honorary show director, succeeding Bill at the close of this year's Great Yorkshire.

"He will continue the society's strong tradition of putting agriculture and rural life at the heart of our flagship event, as well as the continued success of Countryside Live."

Tickets for the event can be bought in advance from countrysidelive.co.uk and the showground will be open from 9am with tickets available on the gate.