SHEEP racing is included for the first time in this year's Countryside Live which takes place in Harrogate this weekend.

And to get the sheep in their stride, for the two-day rural extravaganza, show director, Bill Cowling, supervised a practice run for the woolly competitors at a special circuit set up at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

Sheep races, organised by members of the Yorkshire Young Farmers Clubs, will take place twice daily at Countryside Live when YFC members will compete for the fastest lap.

Mr Cowling, said: “It will be great fun I’m sure, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the going will be good. Although there won’t be betting, I’m sure there will be plenty of cheering for the favourite.”

Countryside Live is the little sister event of the Great Yorkshire Show and includes competitive classes for cattle, sheep and horses, as well as for poultry, pigeons and honey.

Also new for 2014 are pony rides as well as demonstrations by members of the Savage Skills freestyle mountain bike stunt team.

Other highlights include Diggerland and the One Man and His Pig competition, while visitors will be able to have-a-go at archery and willow-weaving, felt-making and straw craft.

Gates open at 9am each day. Tickets are available either on the gate, adult tickets are £11, children’s £6 and a family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) £30. Under 5s admitted free. Parking is free and extensive. Dogs, other than assistance dogs, are not allowed at the event.

For the latest information please see www.countrysidelive.co.uk