THE annual Dunster Show returns for its 168th year today and promises to be the best yet.

The show takes place at the Dunster Castle Lawns. More than 500 horses enter the main varied classes, and there’s also a show for cattle, sheep and competitions for young farmers.

Entertainment is laid on all day including a Jamie Squibb Motorcycle Spectacle, Rockwood Dog Display Team, Michael Davie Falconry Display, and a parade of the prizewinners.

There will also be craft displays, demonstrations and trade stands and music.

The National Festival Circus will be giving free circus entertainment to all ages and there will be plenty of food stalls, a bar tent and ice cream.

Members of the Local Policing, Rural Crime and Hinkley Teams will be at the show to help promote road safety, crime prevention, answer questions and be on-hand for a chat.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, the Ambulance Service and Somerset Road Safety will also be there.

Sergeant Steve Crago from Bridgwater Police Station said: “We are delighted to being going to the show again this year.

"Events like this are a really nice opportunity to meet and chat with people who perhaps wouldn’t normally come into regular contact with the police and to promote some really key safety and crime prevention messages. 

“I will be there with my team to talk to people about road safety.

"The A39 is well known for being an accident hot spot and we know that some people have concerns about the increase in traffic in the area generally when the build starts at Hinkly, so please come and talk to us. 

“The Rural Crime Team will also be on hand to talk about all sorts of rural issues from poaching and quad bike theft to bale wrap and tack marking.

"They will be able to give people advice as to how they can prevent themselves becoming the victims of rural crime.  

“The local policing team from Minehead will also be on the stand and out and about in the show. So please stop and chat to them.” 

The gates open at 8am and it is £10 for adults and £5.00 for children. There is free-parking. Please park in the event car parks and follow any diversions, traffic management or instructions given by event organisers. 

For more information, visit www.thedunstershow.co.uk 

For crime prevention advice please visit our website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

You can also follow us on Twitter, look for #ruralcrime at @ASPolice, @ASPMinhead or @ASPBridgwater 

Entry costs £10 per adult, £5 per child aged four to 14 and parking is free.

The show opens at 8am and dogs are admitted if they are on a lead.

The West Somerset Railway will be helping out with transport at the show and operating coach links from Dunster Station to Dunster Steep at various times throughout the day.

Travel on the coach link will be free for WSR passengers.

For more information, visit www.thedunstershow.co.uk