There will be more competitive entries at this year's Great Yorkshire Show than in the entire history of the event, organisers have announced.

The total of 11,201 smashes the previous best of 10,802 which was set a decade ago in 1995 and is the highest since the event was first held in 1838. Dates for the 2005 show are Tuesday 12 - Thursday 14 July.

Christopher Hall, Honorary Show Director said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the figures. It is a tremendous endorsement of the esteem in which the Show is held that so many people want to compete at the Great Yorkshire. Many farmers are still having a tough time but the strength of the main livestock classes demonstrates unequivocally that the industry is more positive and some of the finest animals in the world can be seen here at Harrogate. The Great Yorkshire remains a true agricultural show."

The high entry figures mean that extra housing is being brought in to cope with the numbers. Additional stabling plus accommodation for the cattle is being provided - another first in the long history of the region's leading farm and country event.

Some 25 sections make up the competitive classes - from forestry to wool to pigeons to cheese with individual record entries in sheep - 1,655 which smashes the previous record of 1,538 set in 1995, lamb carcases, foxhounds - 740 compared with the previous record of 666 in 2003, cheese 711 almost 100 on last year's record of 617 and donkeys with 72 entries this year.

The figures re-enforce the announcement last month that more space than ever before had been let to trade stand holders, with a growing number of exhibitors representing agricultural businesses and organisations.

For further information on this year's show, check out the website at www.greatyorkshireshow.org.