A RECORD number of entries has been received for this year's Countryside Live.

Held at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, on Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, the overall entry stands at 3,206 compared to the previous best of 3,184 which was set in 2012.

Cattle are at an all-time high of 201, sheep number 262 and equine entries – including the popular Search for a Talented Show Jumper – total 348.

Charles Mills, show director, said: "This will be our 14th show and, over the years, it has developed from being predominantly an event for farmers to one which also appeals across the board.

"We are fortunate to have the support of the farming community and it provides an opportunity to talk about what’s involved in producing our food. Our new hall will be the ideal setting for displays of food and drink and also for the Tasting Hub where visitors can not only talk to producers, but try for themselves."

New for 2016 is the final of the Young Shepherd of the Year competition, organised by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Now in its sixth year, this will be the first time the final has been held in the north of England and is the culmination of heats held at 20 shows across the country over the last six months.

There will also be showing classes for native breeds. To date, 139 entries have been received with 18 different breeds represented – from the Boreray, the rarest sheep breed to the Oxford Down, which is the largest.

The Yorkshire Alpaca Group Show is also making its debut with more than 100 animals competing for a series of titles including the Yorkshire Cup, the Colour Championship and the Best of British title.

Two types of alpaca will be shown – Huacaya and Suri – with British Alpaca Society judge, Mary-Jo Smith, having the tough task of picking the winners.

Also new for this year are classes for rabbits, which will be judged on the Saturday, and have attracted 669 entries.

During the weekend, there are also classes for pigeons, poultry, honey and horticulture. Elsewhere around the show, there is the chance to enjoy donkey rides, the Create and Explore area, archery, Diggerland and climbing.

VIP guest, Gregg Wallace, of MasterChef fame, will be busy meeting visitors and in the Tasting Hub.

Tickets are available online, with savings if bought on Sunday before 5pm. Countryside Live is open from 9am to 5pm daily with free and extensive parking.

For the latest information and tickets, visit countrysidelive.co.uk.

Advance tickets are £10 for adults; £5 for children, five to 18 years; family ticket (two adults, and up to three children), £25. Gate prices are adults, £12; children five to 18 years, £6; family ticket, £30. Dogs, other than assistance dogs, are not allowed.