WITH the final plans now complete, the 123rd Herts County Show is set to celebrate and promote the 'Best of Hertfordshire'. The WHT-sponsored event takes place tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday at the county showground in Redbourn. A highlight

WITH the final plans now complete, the 123rd Herts County Show is set to celebrate and promote the 'Best of Hertfordshire'.

The WHT-sponsored event takes place tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday at the county showground in Redbourn.

A highlight will be a unique tribute to the Hertfordshire's Women's Land Army. Festivities will start in the Grand Ring; 65 original Land Army Girls will then enjoy afternoon tea in the members' marquee hosted by show president Caroline Tapster and organised by Hertfordshire Agricultural Society. The tribute display, on both days, promises to bring back some nostalgic memories for show visitors.

This year the show, the biggest community event in the county, wants to help visitors 'Beat the Credit Crunch'.

There is a 25 per cent discount for advance admission tickets and, due to the unprecedented visitor demand, an extra 2,000 tickets have been printed and were released for sale this week.

The show has reversed the gloomy economic trend with above average livestock and horse entries, together with a full house for trade exhibitor bookings.

Another new and successful idea is the show invitation to Hertfordshire primary schools to enter a 'Green Farm in a Shoebox' competition using only recycled materials.

Four schools have been selected for judging at the show including Oakmere School in Potters Bar.

The winning entries will receive �100 for school education funds plus a class visit to the Willows Farm Village at London Colney.

View the entries in the county council marquee.

Show secretary Mike Harman said: "Having taken the positive and strategic decision last August to expand the 2009 show despite the 'credit crunch' factor, we are very encouraged with the overall response and support from within the county.

"With a little help from the weather, we are confident our extended show, with its free children's entertainment policy, will enhance our reputation as the best value for money event in the county."

* The WHT is running a 'spot the sheep' competition at the show. Hidden in stalls around the showground are 10 fluffy sheep.

Find them and you could win a family season ticket to Gullivers.

Entry forms can be found in this week's WHT.