WITH the plans now completed, the 123rd County Show is all set to celebrate and promote the best of Hertfordshire on Saturday and Sunday. One of the many new additions to the largest community event in the county is a unique interactive tribute to the Her

WITH the plans now completed, the 123rd County Show is all set to celebrate and promote the best of Hertfordshire on Saturday and Sunday.

One of the many new additions to the largest community event in the county is a unique interactive tribute to the Hertfordshire Women's Land Army in the Grand Ring, followed by 65 original Land Army Girls enjoying afternoon tea in the Members Marquee hosted by the show president Caroline Tapster, and organised by the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society.

The tribute display, on both days, promises to bring back some nostalgic memories for show visitors.

This year the show has set out to assist visitors beat the credit crunch by offering a massive 25 per cent discount for advance admission tickets. And due to the unprecedented visitor demand, an extra 2,000 tickets have been printed and released for sale this week.

The show also seems to have 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 primary schools to enter a Green Farm in a Shoebox competition using only recycled materials.

One of the four schools selected for judging at the show is Hartsfield in Baldock.

The winning entry will receive �100 for school education funds plus a class visit to the Willows Farm Village at London Colney. Show visitors will be able to view all the competition entries in the Hertfordshire County Council marquee at the show.

Show secretary Mike Harman said: "Having taken the positive and strategic decision last August to expand the 2009 show in spite of 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 that our extended show together with our free children's entertainment policy will enhance our reputation at the best value for money event in the county."

Up to 30,000 people are expected to visit the show at the county showground in Redbourn near St Albans. Showtime is 9am to 5.30pm.

The advance ticket hotline is 0870 350 2122 (no booking fee).