ELITE entries from the dairy world will include entries from County Durham this year.

UK Dairy Expo 2020 returns for the ninth year to the Borderway Exhibition Centre, Carlisle, on Saturday, March 14.

This year's 400 entries include those from SE Dixon & G Holliday from Wolsingham and Katie Thompson from Bishop Auckland.

The livestock entries will compete in 70 classes for 15,000 (pounds) in prize money. Breeds competing will be Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, Dairy Shorthorn, Red and White, and Brown Swiss. The event also hosts the British Friesian National Show.

The four judges include Yan Jacobs, from Quebec; Pat Conroy, from Indiana; Brian Miller from Somerset; and Amy Miller from Evesham.

David Pritchard, event organiser and joint managing director of Harrison & Hetherington, said: "We always attract such a high calibre of judges thanks to the increasing reputation of the internationally acclaimed event. The quality of animals is always second-to-none so we truly value our judges’ knowledge and eye-for-detail, that ensures we can identify the very best of the dairy-world.”

Alongside outstanding dairy cattle, the event includes the latest genetics, science and technology, and is a major platform for businesses ranging from breeding, accountancy, legal, buildings. equipment, feed, technology and veterinary.

There will also be a focus on farm health and safety in a dedicated zone set up by H&H Insurance Brokers and IRM Safety featuring demonstrations and presentations covering animal handling, equipment security, risk management, accident prevention, first aid for farmers and farm support,

Borderway UK Dairy Expo is free to visit.