THIS year's Dorchester Show is set to be the biggest ever.

Organisers today revealed there has been a surge in ticket sales for this weekend's showpiece event at Cokers Frome showground.

A record 50,000 people are predicted to flock through the gates over the two days to see a huge array of livestock, produce and exhibitions.

Entries in the animal classes have also rocketed, with more than 700 sheep and 600 horses expected.

Show secretary Sam Shaw admitted today there was much work still to be done to get the 56-acre site ready for Saturday's big day.

She said: "Last year was a big success but it seems this weekend is going to be even bigger. It will be a case of all hands to the pump between now and Saturday and I can't wait for the day to arrive.

"Ticket sales are up quite dramatically on last year, as are exhibitors' entries and I'm sure the visitor numbers over the two days will also be up.

"Between now and then, it'll be a case of working on site pretty much all day in order to get everything ready."

Exhibitors will be displaying cattle, goats, sheep, horses, farm produce, craftwork, art and horticulture.

New entertainment for this year includes Roman chariot racing, which joins show jumping, a dog display team, falconry, hounds and vintage vehicles in the line-up.

An added bonus this year is the attendance of world famous Phoenix the calf, who gave fresh hope to farmers after surviving the Foot and Mouth crisis in Devon.

Sam added: "We're delighted Phoenix and her calf will be coming and we've had lots of enquiries about the chariot racing, which is happening each day.

"The weather forecast is good for the weekend so hopefully everything will run like clockwork."