PREPARATIONS for this year's Kington Show have been stepped up with organisers reporting trade stands are up on last year.

The annual show, which takes place on September 10 this year, will feature a new event organised by Bartestree-based St Michael's Hospice.

"Trade stands are well up from last year, with the Food/Craft marquee nearly full already," said new chairman, Richard Williams.

"Entries are also coming in for livestock, horticulture and the dog show, so it looks like it'll be another bumper year for the show."

Show entertainment is all booked with a "wide variety of entertainment for all the family to enjoy" said vice-chairman, Bruce Gardiner.

The show is once again making available funds for its charitable grant scheme of up to £1,000.

The money can be divided between a number of applicants to assist in agriculture, science and research in connection with agriculture and rural industries, demonstrations, education, rural crafts, conservation and promotion of co-operation between rural and urban communities.

The criteria for the grants are for individuals aged 16-26 years of age and to be a resident within a distance of 25 miles from Kington town clock.

Further details on the objects and criteria can be found at Kington Show's website kingtonshow.co.uk or from the secretary of Kington Show on 01432 850444 or at info@kingtonshow.co.uk

Applications close on July 31 with grants awarded on the day of the show.

At last year's show, the committee awarded £500 to Ben Hewitt from Upper Hergest, Kington.

The money will go towards buying further beehives and essential beekeeping equipment. A further £500 was awarded to Ellie Owens from Shobdon, which helped fund her trip to New Zealand where she worked on a variety of farms.

Schedules are now available for livestock, dog show and horticultural and domestic. This year, livestock exhibitors will be able to enter online.