MORE people will be able to enjoy the country’s oldest agricultural show this year as organisers strive to improve accessibility.

Wolsingham and Wear Valley Agricultural Society has secured funding to build a disabled car park on the Durham Road showground on the outskirts of the town.

It follows concerns over disabled people struggling to park close to the site and having to negotiate challenging terrain to access the main showfield during Wolsingham Show, which is held on the first weekend of September.

Located close to an agricultural shed at the heart of the venue, the new car park will contain 60 spaces, all of which will be solely for the use of disabled showgoers. It is hoped that work will begin in spring and be completed in time for this year’s show.

Ken Lough, president of Wolsingham and Wear Valley Agricultural Society, said: “More and more disabled people come to the show every year and we want to make it easier for them to access the showground.

“Often they can’t get parked and you see people struggling with wheelchairs on muddy uneven surfaces. The car park will be next to the shed at the centre of everything. Hopefully it will make a real difference.”

The society raised half of the £15,000 needed for the project, and Durham county councillor John Shuttleworth donated the remaining £7,500 from his neighbourhood budged.

“Wolsingham Show Committee has worked extremely hard over many years and now owns the field on which the show is held,” he said.

“The funds I have given will help them carry out further works to encourage greater use, which benefits all of Wolsingham and up and down the Dale.”

The 238th Wolsingham Show takes place on September 2 and 3, and is expected to attract more than 20,000 people of all ages. As the oldest agricultural show in the country, the event is steeped in history, with showgoers able to experience a host of traditional rural activities and refreshments. Farmers from across the North showcase their best livestock and local gardeners, crafters and home bakers compete in a range of classes.

Last year’s highlights also included a motorbike stunt show, strongman competition, harness racing, zip wire and donkey rides.

To find out more, visit wolsinghamshow.co.uk