"IT'S great to be back" was the message coming from the Three Counties Showground at Malvern today.

After missing last year because of the foot-and-mouth crisis and now renamed the Three Counties Countryside Show, one of the Midland's enduring summer attractions returned in fine fettle.

During the next three days, more than 100,000 visitors from all parts of Britain and abroad are expected to converge on the 70-acre show site at Blackmore in the shadow of the Malvern Hills.

Worcester weather expert Paul Damari has predicted mostly dry, warm conditions over the weekend and roads around the showground were busy from early today with police patrols on hand to help prevent any serious hold-ups.

"For many people the Three Counties Show is one of the great summertime traditions and last year just wasn't the same without it," said show press officer Sharon Gilbert.

"Although we still have a back-draught from foot-and-mouth, in that we won't be holding any livestock competitions this year, there will be displays of selected farm animals.

"Youngsters will be able to see both Hereford and Gloucester cattle and there will be the usual sheep-shearing competitions."

In fact, the showground will be packed with attractions to bring the rural community out in force.

Billed as the event where "town meets country", the show programme features everything from international show jumping to an army "village", and from an in-house Game Fair with everything for the huntin', shootin' and fishin' set to a breathtaking display of skill by the Royal Signals White Helmets Motorcycle Display team.

Horse classes were never affected by foot-and-mouth and are as strong as ever this year, with several qualifiers for national events such as the Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International Horse Show.

On Sunday afternoon, the Three Counties will turn elegant with a Costume Concours D'Elegance for side-saddle riders held for the first time and judged in the main arena.

Tomorrow afternoon, Grand National winner Bindaree will parade in the main arena, and among the top show jumping riders will be Nick Skelton, recently recovered from a broken neck which threatened to end his illustrious career. Malvern is one of the first shows on his comeback trail.

"With 700 trade stands, superb food, flower and rural craft sections, top main ring attractions and a separate dog show with more than 8,200 entries, we believe we have something for everyone," said Sharon.