FOR the first time in its 73-year history, the Kent County Show is to be held this year on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Since 1967 it has been staged on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The 2002 show will be held at the Detling showground on July 12, 13 and 14. John Jennings, chairman of the Kent County Agricultural Society, said: "At first I was not in favour, but the society's chaplain raised no objection to the Sunday date so I agreed to the idea.

"For me, the most compelling argument is that on a Thursday and Friday we rule out so many families who have one or more of its members at work."

Next Tuesday, (January 22) Lord Mayhew of Twysden, who was Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from 1992-1997, will give this year's agricultural society's Falmouth Lecture.

The event will be held in the Astor Pavilion at the county showground at 11.30am. It will follow the society's annual meeting which starts at 10am.

Anyone interested in attending should contact the society on 01622 630975.