PREPARATIONS are well ahead for the annual Dowland Country Fair and Dog show on June 16, which last year attracted more than 2,000 visitors.

The very best schedule of exhibits is being put on for the whole family and the day begins with simulated lurcher coursing at 9am for a 9.30am start. Last year 48 lurchers took part in this.

Dog shows at the event are increasingly popular with excellent qualifiers for lurchers and terriers.

There will be a ferret show and Jonathan Marshall with his elite team of falcons, and Sampson the Golden Eagle will do two displays. North Devon Working Gun Dogs will also give displays.

This year the show welcomes the Dartmoor Haypole boys with colourful demonstrations and lively commentary, explaining the pre-Victorian idea of how to build a hayrick using only an offset pole and grab, plus four men and a horse.

Five world war two Auster planes will be flying over the show again and Suffolk Punch horses will be offering cart rides.

For the children there will be go-karts, trampoline bungees, pony rides and music from the Devon teacher rock choir 'Into the Blue', school choirs and the Ukulele Bashers.

Donations from this event will go to Devon Air Ambulance and local organisations. Entry is £3 for adults and £1 for children over five.