THIS weekend's Malvern Autumn Garden and Country Show is the perfect excuse for a family day out.

Visitors to Malvern's Three Counties Showground tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday can enjoy a host of activities, from dog agility displays by the Paws for Thought team to the very finest in seasonal flowers and produce.

Organisers, the Three Counties Agricultural Society, expects 60,000 people to the event, where the Royal Horticultural Society holds a flower show and the National Vegetable Society, its Midlands championships.

A giant green squash grown by 14-year-old Joe Hallam, from Lincolnshire, is one of the open gardening competition entries.

Weighing around 600lbs, it looks set to be confirmed as the new British record-holder, surpassing the current 569lbs.

Celebrity gardener Chris Beardshaw will be creating seasonal recipes with less sizeable home-grown produce in the cookery theatre.

Horticulture aside, the show features a wide range of other attractions, including a display of Morgan cars, organised by the Morgan Sports Car Club, and stunt bike shows.

Music lovers will enjoy hearing the Casablanca Steps recreate the sounds of a bygone age and children can enjoy a farm park, family education trail and pottery workshop.

The show opens from 9am to 6pm each day. Tickets are available on the gate priced £11 for adults, £4 for children and £24 per family. Children under five go free.