PLOUGHMEN and women from throughout the world will flock to Crockey Hill, near York, in September to compete in the 2016 World Ploughing Contest and 66th British National Ploughing Championships.

The World Ploughing competition has attracted teams from 32 countries including the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. At stake are titles for conventional and reversible ploughing.

Representing England this year will be David Chappell, a farmer from near Doncaster in the conventional contest, and Peter Alderslade, a farmer from Gateshead in the reversible contest.

The British Championships have attracted 300 competitors hoping to win and represent their country in the 2017 World Contest in Kenya.

A central part of the 500 acre site, which has been loaned by Hobson Farming Ltd, will be taken by a wide variety of trade stands. Many agricultural businesses will be showing the latest agricultural machinery and equipment or promoting their services and a wide variety of shopping stands and crafts will compliment them.

Ken Chappell, executive director of the Society of Ploughmen, said: "Enthusiasm from firms in the area is running high with trade stand space being snapped up fast. Our sponsors are both national and local companies and are giving us tremendous support."

On the evening prior to the main event a Service of Dedication and Blessing of the Plough will be held in York Minster with all the world ploughmen attending with their country’s flags.

The British National Ploughing championships are held on Thursday and Friday, September 8th and 9th, with the World Ploughing Contest on the weekend of September 10th and 11th. The trade stands, steam engines, vintage tractor and horse ploughing attractions are on over all four days.

Further information at ploughmen.co.uk or from the Society of Ploughmen on 01302 852469.