Lady Verulam, president of the Herts County Show, at the newly-renamed Queen's Diamond Jubilee Arena

THE main arena at the Hertfordshire County Show has been renamed to honour the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.

The display ring at the event, which is sponsored by the Welwyn Hatfield Times and its sister papers, will be known as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Arena.

The distinctive new signs at the County Showground in Redbourn also incorporate 10-year-old Katherine Dewar’s winning national competition design for the Jubilee emblem.

The show takes place on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3, with around 35,000 people expected to be in attendance over the two days.

Show secretary Mike Harman said: “We are absolutely delighted to be granted Royal permission for the new Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Arena.

“It is fitting as this showcase arena is the focal point of our annual Hertfordshire County Show, and includes a unique balance of horse competitions, farming displays and military bands, together with an eclectic range of spectacular international acclaimed attractions.”

He added: “We are looking forward to celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and hosting the biggest ‘Red, White and Blue’ street party in Hertfordshire on June 2 and 3.

“To support our street party theme, show visitors are warmly invited to wear ‘Red, White and Blue’ over the weekend.”

* For more information on the show – including a 20 per cent discount for advance ticket sales – visit www.hertsshow.com