CRAVEN is in the midst of its agricultural show season - with two more events due to take place over the next few days.

Malham Show will be staged on Saturday - against the backdrop of the famous cove.

There will be the usual cattle and sheep classes, rare breeds, fell races, a dog show and children's sports and fancy dress - which can be entered on the day.

For the second year, there will be a visit by the Thwaites Brewery shire horses and dray and the whippet racing is also back, with more whippets and a bigger race track.

Other attractions include gun dog displays, a Morris Minor Club show and equestrian events including a gymkhana and showjumping.

Children under 16 are admitted free and dogs are welcome on the field.

For more details, visit malhamdale.com.

And, on Tuesday, Kilnsey Show will take place, with enhanced activities for younger visitors.

There are 430 individual show classes catering for all skills, tastes and ages, with more than 80 trophies on offer as well as £17,000 in prize money.

The show is renowned for both showcasing and promoting local food and once again it will be staging its ever-popular cookery theatre, where leading local chefs will cook up some delicious dishes.

This year, they include Dales farmer’s daughter and Craven College-trained Stephanie Moon, Bruce Elsworth, of The Angel Hetton, Grassington House Hotel’s John Rudden, Chris Oakden, of Coniston Hall Hotel, and Phil Bolton, from The George in Cullingworth.

Children will have their own marquee offering a host of educationally-led activities, including bread making with York University’s Andrew Wood, crafts by Skipton Children's Centre and storytelling by Rev Peter Thomas.

Youngsters will also be able to pet animals from Hesketh Farm Park in Bolton Abbey, have their faces painted by the Principle Trust and enjoy circus tricks by Ribbon in the Sky Arts.

During the afternoon, the show moves into its annual sports programme, most notably the celebrated fell races taking in the punishing climb and descent of Kilnsey Crag.

The senior race in particular is keenly anticipated. Simon Bailey won it last year in eight minutes and five seconds, followed by former winners Ted Mason on 8.09 and Rob Hope in third with 8.17. Both Ted and Rob, a three times British Fell Running champion, have entered again this year.

Last year’s early evening harness racing programme attracted a record entry of 44 runners and organisers are hoping for another big turnout of trotters and riders this year. Bookmakers will again be in attendance for punters who want to chance their arm in the heats and final.

Full details, entry forms and schedules are available at kilnseyshow.co.uk