NEW competitive classes are being introduced at the biggest event in the region’s agricultural calendar.

Craftsmen are currently building kennels for the new harrier hounds classes to be held at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show.

The harriers will be based in the new Hound Show area being created at the south-west side of the showground in Harrogate, close to the Country Pursuits area.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s president, Michael Bannister, has been a Master of the Harrier Hounds for 35 years.

"The Hound Show is a long-established feature of the show and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to introduce harriers to the event this year," he said.

"We hope they will become a regular feature on our programme."

He added: "Moving the hounds down to the Country Pursuits area made perfect sense, and the new area will be a natural focus for countryside and field sport activities."

Some 65 kennels are currently being made by staff at the showground, led by joiner David Atkinson.

*Tickets are now on sale for the 151st Great Yorkshire Show, which runs from July 14 to 16.

Advance ticket prices are: adults - £18; concessions – £16; children (aged 5 – 18) - £8; under 5s – free; family ticket (two adults and three children) - £47.

To buy, contact 01423-541222 or order online at www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk