ENTRIES to this year's Cartmel Agricultural Show are up 10 per cent, say organisers.

A fun-filled day is promised along with the chance to try your hand at a variety of crafts, take part in some wrestling or see if you're a natural at morris dancing.

A special trophy for the Champion of Champions will be awarded this year in honour of their president Jean Rogers, who died in March this year.

Show secretary Sarah Dickinson said they were encouraging as many people as possible to "have a go" at a variety of free events on offer.

The gates open at Cartmel Racecouse at 8.30am tomorrow (3) and the day will be packed with events from dog agility, show jumping, cooking demos by top local chefs and a demo marquee where you can try stonemasonry or willow weaving.

There's also lots for children to do including a special wildlife display with big snails and snakes.

Mrs Dickinson said: "Its looking really good this year as entries are up by 10 per cent and sheep entries are up too.

"It's a very relaxed show and so much on offer for everyone to have a really enjoyable day. I like to think we are a good show that people just want to come along to and enjoy. A lot of people enjoy horticulture and pottering in their gardens as well as growing their own produce and cooking so its an ideal place to come for all ages.

"We have cooking demos from Daniel Akrigg, former young chef of the year and Gary McClure, a pig breeder and chef from Broughton, among others.

"A wildlife display for the children will feature snakes and big snails.

"This year we want people to 'have a go' and take part in the many free workshops on offer. We have a demo marquee where you can try some stonemasonry, you can have a go at morris dancing and willow weaving. There will be lots of craft stall and demos around for people to enjoy. There will be a dog show and members of Cumberland Westmorland wrestlers will be teaching people how to wrestle.

"Everything is free so just have a go.

"This year is especially poignant as we lost our president Jean Rogers earlier this year.

"In her honour we have a bronze horse statue which will be awarded to the Champion of Champions in the horse category and £100 prize money."

Mrs Rogers was an inspirational and well-respected South Cumbria horsewoman.

The 78-year-old, of Cartmel, who was the British Horse Society North of England chairwoman, died on March 12.

For 50 years Mrs Rogers was an integral part of Cartmel Agricultural Show, as a committee member, chief horse steward and this year's president.

Parking at the event is free and ticket costs for adults is £10, concessions £8, those aged four and under go free and a family ticket for two adults and two children is £25.

SLIDESHOW: Family fun and farming success at Cartmel Show last year

NOSTALGIA - A look back at the Cartmel show in pictures over the years here

Tributes for inspirational south Cumbria horsewoman and equine stalwart read more