There are just a few days to go before the Devon County Show prepares to host the biggest 'town and country event' in the county on May 15, 16 and 17 at Westpoint, Exeter.

Acres of marquees are being erected, vast swathes of grass are being cut and hundreds of volunteers, who help the small professional team behind the event, are looking forward to going on holiday to make the Show another great success.

Headline entertainment is warming up in the wings with the Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team putting the finishing touches to their dare-devil display, delightful Jersey cows being washed and groomed for a major breed get-together and the spectacular street entertainment Titan and friend tuning-up their robotics.

"Main ring spectaculars are just one element of this huge and interactive entertainment experience," said show secretary Ollie Allen. "We are preparing to show the best of Devon in just 93 acres and are putting on a programme of activity which takes in so much of what makes this county the best place in the country to live and visit."

This year's theme is the Year of Food and Farming - an exciting campaign aimed at putting children in the know when it comes to their food and its origins. This national school curriculum campaign is all about the whole industry pulling together to bridge the gap between consumers and the countryside.

Ollie added: "We want to share our love of good, honest, local food with our visitors of all ages and have devised a great 'Your Year of Food & Farming Show Challenge' for the children to take them all over the showground to 'six pit stops' or features, where they can find the answer for the questionnaire and even win a bug bookmark, or a recyclable pen. From plough to plate and cow to carton, to bees and honey and tree spotting, we've lots to keep everyone informed and entertained."

Devon has much to be proud of and the Show celebrates rural living. Over the past few years the Show has responded to the changes to the rural community, to reflect its more innovative and forward-thinking outlook.

"We have magnificent animals, wonderful regional food, traditional rural skills, dazzling flowers and gardens, a band stand and hundreds of trade stands to make a visit to the Show a day to remember."

For more information about the Devon County Show, phone 01392 446000 or visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk.