HORSES are being groomed for the first ever Midlands Spring Equine Fair.

The fair, sponsored by the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, takes place over the weekend of March 9 and 10 at the Three Counties Showground.

Organised by Contour Exhibitions and Events, it will include over 100 trade stands and equestrian displays in the Supreme Main Equine Arena.

Seminars will be held in the Top Equestrian Lecture Theatre, while the British Horseball Association will demonstrate the sport - a cross between basketball and rugby on horseback.

There will also be endurance riding and carriage driving displays along with demonstrations of the Parelli method of teaching young horses.

Advance ticket discounts are available on admission prices of £7 for adults and £5 for children and OAPs. Tickets costing £22 for a family of four are also available from 01749 813899. For further details, see www.contour.uk.net