The first lady president in the 220 year history of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society is looking forward to taking the reins of the three-day County Show.

Mrs Shirley Johns (pictured) of Neyland, is no stranger to the reins. She rode ponies from an early age and became a showgoer as a child rider before becoming a steward in the pony classes in the society's bi-centenary year in 1984, when Princess Ann made the first royal visit by opening the anniversary show.

Mrs Johns became chief steward in the In-hand, Palomino, Arab and children's riding sections, when she took over from honorary show director Mr Gerald Price in 1998, and her election is a reward for the sterling work she has done for the society over the years.

"I feel it is a great honour to become the first lady president of such an old and successful show, one of the oldest in Wales and the largest apart from the Royal Welsh," said Mrs Johns.

"The County Show is the highlight of the Pembrokeshire rural social calendar and has been going from strength to strength each year. We hope it will remain for many more years on its present showground at Withybush, where it has already flourished for 45 years."

Mrs Johns is an administrative officer and personal assistant to the chief officers at Dyfed-Powys Police Divisional HQ at Haverfordwest, and husband, Rob, is also a member of the civilian staff.

The pony world is well-represented this year as president-elect Mr Brian Llewellyn has been a pony breeder-exhibitor for many years and is a show director. His wife Jean is also a long-serving and active member of the society.