THE sports of husky racing and mangold hurling will make their debut at the Autumn Garden and Country Show in Malvern.

The event, now in its 12th year, takes place on September 23-24 at the Three Counties Showground.

It will also feature country crafts, flower show, gardening exhibits, livestock and speciality foods.

However, husky racing is one of many events likely to appeal to families and if it is not exactly a traditional British country sport, then there is always mangold hurling.

Put simply, mangold hurling, which comes from Somerset, involves throwing, or more correctly pitching, a vegetable mangold-wurzel (or mangel-wurzel) in competition with others. It traditionally takes place in October after mangold-wurzels, which are grown as cattle fodder, are harvested.

Like the Spring Gardening Show, the Autumn Garden and Country Show attracts thousands of gardening enthusiasts, who come to see the medal-winning floral and vegetable displays, pick up gardening tips from experts or snap up a bargain plant to take home.

"But it isn't just a show for gardeners. It's an event with something for everyone," said Sharon Gilbert, spokesman for organisers the Three Counties Agricultural Society.

"We would like to encourage more families to come along and enjoy the attractions. It's a value for money family day out."

For more information, visit www.threecounties.co.uk.