YOUNG Farmers Clubs in Herefordshire are getting ready for their annual rally.

Members of the clubs across Herefordshire are busy preparing their entries for the Herefordshire Federation of Young Farmers’ annual county rally on Saturday, May 18 at Hurstley Court, Kinnersley.

This will be followed by the rally dance at Hurstley Court.

Competitions have already started with the stock-judging and fence-erecting day held jointly on Sunday, April 14 at Bridge Farm, Almeley, and also at The Quebb, Eardisley.

Points will count towards the coveted Rally Shield which was last year awarded to Teme Valley YFC.

Competitions continue in April with the welding class at Holme Lacy College, horse judging hosted at Knoakes Court, Ivington, and then the efficiency with safety and ATV driving at Woofferton Grange, Brimfield.

Last year there were approximately 1,000 entries at the county rally, this being the federation's biggest showcase event of the year.

There are more than 50 different classes for members to take part in and the day will include the popular classes of exhibits, crafts, cookery, flower arranging, cake decorating, woodwork and metalwork – as well as non-stop entertainment competitions on the stage such as farmyard band, moonwalk dancing, stand-up comedy and ‘galactic stars in your eyes’.

The day will be rounded off with the women's and men's tug-of-war competitions. This year there is also a mixed tugof- war competition for the 12 to 18-year-olds.

Admission for non-members during the day is £5 adults, £3 for 10 to 16-year-olds, with children under-10 free. The rally dance will start at 9pm and will go on to 2am.

Admission to the rally dance will be discounted for members carrying a current membership card.

There will be no under-16s at the rally dance and a Challenge 25 policy will be in operation. ID will be required for everyone at the dance and all ID will be checked on the door.

Any members aged between 16 years and 18 years old must also submit a completed parental consent form prior to the event and at latest by 4.30pm on Friday May 10 to the Herefordshire County Office.

A copy is available from the county office or to download from the HFYFC website.

For full details visit www.hfyfc.org.uk or contact the county office on 01432 274187.