SPARKLING Miss Dorset Alice Hall reckons this year’s Dorset County Show will be a winner.

Alice visited the showground near Dorchester yesterday for a quick inspection of the marquees and the livestock and says everything looks set for a bumper country showcase.

Even the weather forecast looks rosy, and it is expected the South West’s biggest two-day show will be an Indian summer scorcher.

A feast of family entertainment, all the traditional attractions and some new events are planned for the county show which kicks off today.

Alice, 18, of Weymouth, said: “There’s a real buzz to the show this year.

“I’m really looking forward to it, especially the food and the shopping.

“I’m also excited about seeing the wolfman.”

She added: “I used to come to the show when I was younger but it’s grown so much since then.

“I’m keeping my fingers crossed for good weather but I don’t think we have to worry.”

This year there will be more than 450 trade stands selling an array of goods including furniture, pet accessories, clothes and crafts.

The best of Dorset’s food and drink will also be on offer.

There will be livestock and horticulture competitions, while the main ring will be reserved for entertainment such as mounted games, vintage cars and tractors and racing animals.

The JCB stunt team Dancing Diggers look set to be showstoppers as will Titan the robot.

Other attractions include a dog talent competition, Adams Axemen, Exeter X Factors Fly Ball Team, ‘wolfman’ Shaun Ellis, a falconry display and carriage driving.

Simon Grant-Jones, 46, of Sutton Poyntz, will be competing to become national champion blacksmith at this year’s show.

He is currently tied in first place in the static category after competing in eight other shows around the country.

Simon, who teaches part-time at Kingston Maurward College, has been runner up for the past two years and is hoping he will be ‘third time lucky’ in 2010.

The emphasis is on family fun this year with under-16s getting in to the show for free.

Show Secretary Sam Mackenzie-Green said: “The Dorset County Show is one of the premier county shows, celebrating the spirit of the county and the best rural traditions of Dorset since 1841.

“Why don’t you come along and join us? It’s a great day out for all the family.”

Tickets for the 169th Dorset County Show cost £13 on the gate, with children under 16 going free. For more information visit www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk