Today is show day - as the key countryside jamboree in north Cumbria returns.

Thousands are expected to turn out for The Cumberland Show, a favourite fixture on the county's summer calendar.

The massive annual event will be opening its turnstiles on 60-acres of farmland at East Park, Brisco, after a short spell at Carlisle Racecourse.

A show spokesman said: "The show combines tradition and agriculture with a fresh, modern focus to create a real celebration of farming, food and countryside."

In the past couple of weeks volunteers have been out giving the parkland, close to Brisco crossroads on the outskirts of Carlisle, a makeover in readiness for the thousands of visitors they hope will pour through the turnstiles.

All creatures great and small will figure high in the day's events.

From ducks to ferrets, hound and beagles to pony sports, the day promises all-action show fun.

In the main ring there will be horse judging, Pony Club games, vintage vehicles, the popular Drakes of Hazard - involving tenacious Indian runner ducks and sheepdogs.

The spectacle of the Grand Parade will bring the county's gleaming livestock up close and personal to visitors.

Over in the Countryside Area, visitors can explore and learn about rural crafts and skills, for example, hounds and beagles competition, the Lake District Sheepdog Display and the lives of ferrets and birds of prey.

There will also be stonewalling, basket weaving and a chainsaw carving demonstration, as well as the model farm.

Elsewhere around the showground there will be a circus workshop and cookery and local produce to try and buy.

One of the centrepieces is the traditional Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, which will this year have its own ring and run from early afternoon.

Other new features for this year's show is a firewalk for charity, with representatives from various local businesses and organisations taking part.

There will also be fast and furious harness racing.

Gate price is £14 with children up to 16 free to enter when accompanied by an adult.

Free shuttle buses will run from The Crescent in Carlisle city centre to the showground from 9.10am until 4.35pm, and from the showground back to The Crescent from 9.30am until 5pm.

Car parking is provided on site - and visitors will also be treated to the spectacle of sheepdog trials being held in the main car park.