THE Three Counties Agricultural Society, which can trace its origins back to the 18th century, is leading the way in the world of livestock showing, thanks to some 21st century technology.

Based at its showground at Blackmore in the shadow of the Malvern Hills, the society is celebrating its 50th Three Counties show this summer by becoming the first showground to offer both an online competition entry service and an online results listing.

Exhibitors for the event, from June 15-17, are now able to enter cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses for the early summer event at the touch of a button on the society's website at www.threecounties.co.uk They will also be able to access a total listing of results by category at the end of each day.

Society chief executive Nick Vincent said: "The new system is fully integrated with our office systems, which means that all entries are processed more efficiently and accurately, and exhibitors can view schedules at any time of night or day.

"The avoidance of paper forms eliminates the difficulties in interpreting handwriting, and saves on postage costs.

"This demonstrates our commitment to the agricultural and equine sectors and is designed to help the application process, particularly for farmers whose unsociable working hours make it difficult to complete paperwork and catch the post.

"Early trials were very successful, and we are delighted that the system we have worked long and hard to perfect is now up and running."