The Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit this year’s Kent County Show.

Prince Edward and his wife, formerly Sophie Rhys-Jones, will meet farmers, growers and producers on Friday, July 17, the opening day of the show at the Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone.

They will also visit the Young Farmers’ display, where more than 400 youngsters will show cattle, sheep, pigs and small pets over the course of the three day show.

The couple will also present this year’s long service awards to agricultural workers.

Kent County Show general manager David Goff said he was delighted that the couple planned to spend a full day at the show.

He was sure they would receive a “warm welcome from our visitors and exhibitors alike”.

He added: “The Royal Family is hugely supportive of agricultural shows across the country and it gives us great pleasure to welcome them to ours in Kent.”

Attractions this year include, as ever, farm animals and Kent produce. There will also be a wall of death, an eco village and, new this year, 'Remembering Kent - An 80 Year Journey.

For the first time, families with up to four children aged between five and 15 will go free with every two advance adult tickets bought.

In addition, an adult family member can request two additional free child tickets with every pre-paid adult ticket they buy.

An adult ticket purchased in advance will be £15. They are available until July 10 via www.kentshowground.co.uk or the ticket line, 01622 633060. Car parking at the show is free.