CRAMMED full of new and classic ways of making your home your castle, the Bournemouth Ideal Home Exhibition is kicking off at the BIC later this week.

Now in its eighth year, the 2003 event promises to be bigger and better, with 120 exhibitors displaying household goodies from hot tubs to roofing.

A first this year will be the cookery theatre where visitors can watch demonstrations from professional chefs whipping up dishes from across the globe, as well as wine tasting and microwaving.

Live entertainment will come from Butlins Redcoats while favourites like the florist demos are guaranteed to brighten up your visit.

Do-it-yourself fans will also be shown decorating techniques, including graining, stencilling and marbling by experts from Bournemouth and Poole College.

Show manager, John Bowle, said: "It is not easy to make your home ideal but, at least by visiting the show, you will be given a world of inspiration and wonderful ideas."

On the Daily Echo's stand P34, visitors will get the first chance to learn about the new Search for Sold competition, starting in the classifieds section of the paper on September 4.

A photograph containing 45 household items will be printed in the paper every day, although each time it appears one of the items will be taken away.

Readers enter the competition each day to guess which one was removed and then win that item.

The exhibition is being organised by Premier Exhibitions.

Opening on Thursday, the Daily Echo/Advertiser sponsored event will run until Sunday, with viewing from 10am to 5pm daily.

Admission will cost £4 for adults and £2 for pensioners.

A two-for-one entrance discount is available from the exhibition leaflet, which incorporates a special coupon.

Accompanied children, under the age of 14, will be admitted free.

For more details call 01242 516738 or lookout for details on this site.