MALVERN'S Three Counties Showground has been a hive of activity as the Three Counties Agricultural Society geared up for the return of its traditional summer show after a year's enforced absence.

Still without livestock but with a host of other attractions, the newly titled Three Counties Countryside Show will attract thousands of visitors today (Friday), tomorrow and Sunday.

June's event last year was cancelled following the outbreak of foot and mouth.

There will be hundreds of exhibitors and plenty of entertainment at this year's show, which has been given a larger countryside focus.

Even football fans have been catered for with organisers erecting a special 20ft screen to relay England's World Cup tie with Denmark on Saturday lunchtime.

TCAS spokesman Sharon Gilbert said a great show had been lined up.

"People are still recovering from the effects of foot and mouth and the show is different in that we changed the name and enhanced the countryside focus," she said.

Visitors can expect a wide range of agricultural and horticultural attractions, show jumping, the Shetland Pony Grand National and harness racing, as well as as grass track motorbike racing and clay pigeon shooting.

The military will have a strong presence, with appearances by the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team and the Red Devils parachute display team.

"We're looking forward to this weekend, we're very positive," said Ms Gilbert.

Exhibitors setting up yesterday (Thursday) were also optimistic.

"It'll be interesting to see what it's like compared to last year," said Graham Askew, from Askews Power-Trac in Upton.

"If they can get the atmosphere back it'll get the standholders back."

The show is open 9am to 6pm from today (Friday) until Sunday (June 16). Admission is adults £11, senior citizens £9, children £5. A family ticket (two adults and three children) is £24.