RYEDALE Show will welcome a royal visitor to help celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The Duchess of Kent will be guest of honour at the show at Welburn Park near Kirkbymoorside on Tuesday, July 26.

Christine Thompson, the show's general secretary, said although the Duchess had officially retired from carrying out royal visits some time ago in order to spend more time concentrating on her love of teaching music to children, she is very keen to attend Ryedale Show.

“As most local people are aware, the Duchess of Kent was born and brought up at nearby Hovingham Hall and we feel very honoured that she is able to join us," she said.

"She is very excited at the prospect of visiting the show which will evoke many childhood memories."

The Duchess will be accompanied on the day by her nephew Sir William Worsley, deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.

This year’s show presidents are Chris and Sheila Leckenby, of Oxclose Farm, Pockley, and they are looking forward to hosting the visit.

Mr Leckenby said: “Sheila and I will be delighted to welcome HRH the Duchess of Kent to this year’s show and I am sure that the visit will prove to be yet another momentous occasion within the colourful history of both the show and the Ryedale and Pickering Lythe Agricultural Society.

“Alongside the usual competitions and events, all visitors will get a glimpse of how the show has progressed since its conception in 1855 by several means including our special main ring parade of farming through the ages, a memorabilia marquee and a commemorative brochure.”

The 2016 show gives cause for double celebration as it will also be the 50th show to be held on the current site at Welburn Park, by kind permission of the Shaw family.

For more information, go to ryedaleshow.org.uk