Organisers of an agricultural show are gearing up for the return of the event later this month.

Stokesley Show will take place on Saturday, September 21, with gates opening to visitors at 8am.

This year, like each edition of the event, agriculture is at the heart of the show, but there will also be entertainment, shopping, cookery demonstrations and competitions taking place throughout the showground.

President of the 165th show, John Fletcher, has pledged that the expected 20,000 visitors to the show will have a great time at the event, while also speaking about his own background in agriculture.

As a professional chartered engineer, Mr Fletcher specialised in marine engineering for half of his working career, before moving into construction engineering in the offshore and iron and steel industries.

He spent his teenage years in farming in Little Ayton and, for 20 years, has been a member of the Stokesley Agricultural Show Society. He has also enjoyed time as a Great Ayton Parish councillor, Hambleton District councillor and North Yorkshire County councillor.

He said: "Delivering the annual show involves many individuals freely giving their time to provide a unique experience for over 20,000 visitors to the showground on the day.

"There is a management committee as well as a council with a chairman both of which are – importantly – kept in order by the show secretary.

"Council members provide, with a passion for creativity and purpose, a level of expertise appropriate to their skills – tractors, horses, cattle, guinea pigs, flowers and the list goes on.

"On show day the event depends on the dedication of judges and many stewards involved across the showground."

Stokesley Agricultural Society was formed in 1859 to run an agricultural show.

He added: "There is an ethos of 'continuous improvement' which ensures a safe dynamic, vibrant eclectic event catering for both exhibitors, members and visitors to the showground.

"The management of Stokesley Show like many other similar events is faced with ever-increasing costs mainly met from showground entrance charges, member subscriptions and other revenue streams. The prospect of bad weather on the day is almost palpable!

"The main ring is the centrepiece of the showground and on the day hosts showpiece attractions as well as show jumping and the grand parade of award-winning class champions."

Tickets are £18 for adults and £14 for children aged five to 16. Under fives are free.