ONE of the area s most illustrious events is taking place this Bank Holiday weekend. The 2009 Countess of Warwick Show held at Little Easton is now in its 19th year – and this year promises to be as good as ever. The core of the event continues with the p

ONE of the area's most illustrious events is taking place this Bank Holiday weekend.

The 2009 Countess of Warwick Show held at Little Easton is now in its 19th year - and this year promises to be as good as ever.

The core of the event continues with the popular horticultural and art shows.

Schedules for the horticultural show are available in the churches and other normal outlet points in the area while entry forms are available for the art show.

P&A Wood will be showing a Rolls Royce Merlin V12 Engine and will run it at set times each day. There will also be a fly past in a vintage De Havilland Gypsy Moth in addition to their fine displays of Rolls Royces.

Back on the ground, there will be the usual competitions for children with a Fun Run, return of Animal Corner, plenty of stalls to visit and jazz bands playing.

Arena events outside include equestrian displays, tug-of-war, classic car displays and military vehicle displays. The ploughing match has attracted a good entry again and, new to the event this year, there will be an exciting Tractor Challenge.

Tickets for the Grand Draw will be on sale with the draw at the end of the show on Monday. First prize is for �1000 cash, with second and third prizes of �500 and �250 respectively, plus a host of other items.

Tim Turner, chairman of the show committee, said: "The show is becoming increasingly popular, thanks in part to a new website.

"All the core events are there, together with a few new bits and pieces. With so many stalls and other events to enjoy it should make for a great weekend for all the family."

The show takes place in and around the Manor, church and Rectory grounds at Little Easton, Park Road on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, August 30 and 31.

It is open from 1pm. Parking is free - some exhibits have an entry charge. Profits from the show go towards the upkeep of the churches of the Five Parishes.

New priest-in-charge of the parishes, Canon Ivy Crawford, will open the show on each day.

For more information, visit the show's new website www.countessofwarwickshow.org