MORE than 60,000 visitors are expected at the Three Counties showground this weekend for Malvern Autumn Show.

Now in its 13th year, the two day event is a seasonal mix of Autumn flowers, harvest produce, native livestock and family entertainment.

"Unfortunately the foot and mouth restrictions have meant that some of the livestock attractions have had to be cancelled," said show press officer Sharon Gilbert, "but there will still be plenty to see for anyone who likes animals."

Donkeys, ponies, foals, ducks, geese, rabbits and guinea pigs in the Millers Ark area will be on display, as will native pony breeds such as Connemara, Highland, New Forest, Fell, Exmoors and Shetlands, together with spotted ponies, heavy horses and all kinds of dogs from Siberian huskies and Leonbergers to greyhounds, lurchers and Newfoundlands.

"The weather forecast for the weekend is set dry and fair with temperatures around 16 degrees," added Ms Gilbert, "so we are hoping for a good show to round off our summer."

Among the celebrities there will be television chef and The Great British Village Show front man, James Martin, who has just finished filming a new series called Eating With The Enemy. James will be appearing in the show's cookery theatre on Sunday, when he will be casting his expert eye over the efforts of Worcester College of Technology trainee chefs, Rebecca Higgs and Craig Taylor, as they each seek to impress with a delicious signature dish.

Appearing in the cookery theatre on both days will be writer, cook, broadcaster and teacher, Sarah Raven, who will be creating an unusual and beautiful floral decoration for the festive dining room in her own inimitable style.

Sarah is also at Malvern to promote the health benefits of eating home grown produce, and the satisfaction derived from sowing, growing and harvesting food from the garden for the plate.

The show will feature three edible display gardens for the first time ever this year, by way of encouraging the "grow your own" culture currently sweeping Britain.

As well as 650 tradestands, there will be bygone displays including a stick-making competition, collections of vintage classic cars, motorcycles and caravans and vintage machinery, a Royal Horticultural Society flower show and a country pursuits area among many other attractions.

The show takes place between 9am and 6pm tomorrow and Sunday. On the day admission from £12.50 adults and from £5 for children 5-15. Under fives and parking free.

See Monday's Worcester News for pictures and reports