Welcome once again to this year's County Show - a show which is still moving forward in its approach to entertaining the public.

The Food Hall demonstrates quality local produce and, this year, introduces an organic food section to add to this variation. The hall and food marquee will be fitted out with shell scheme units for the first time, to assist in building a quality display for food retailers.

At last year's show the animals registered for entry were exceptional, with over one thousand horses and over five hundred cattle entered. Many other animals such as sheep, pigs and goats make up the agricultural feel of the show. At this year's show, we see the return of the companion dog show, the first since 2000, and as usual the dog agility is always of interest to many spectators.

This year's main attraction is the Flying Gunners of The Royal Artillery, whose daring stunts keep the crowd enthralled.

The Conservation Group has been working hard all winter in formulating what will be a fine display area for the Conservation section of the showground. The National Park, RSPB, Biodiversity Partnership, The National Trust, FWAG, Pembs Living Heathlands Project, The Wildlife Trust, The Coastal Forum, The CWW, The Forestry Commission and many more organisations have met on many occasions to bring together their expertise on land and animal conservation.

The conservation display area, as usual, is supported by the pole climbers and axemen of Wales, who will no doubt be involved in demonstrations and audience participation, delighting the crowd with their skills.

Many other attractions are the same by name, but vary in their nature, such as horticulture and craft in the Parkhouse Exhibition Centre, the poultry exhibitors adjacent to the Stockman's caterers, the Prendergast building will be full of indoor trade stands and between 550 and 600 outdoor trade stands, ranging from those connected with agriculture to those who offer craftsmanship at the highest quality.

May I take this opportunity of thanking my staff who work all through the year to make this show a credit to Pembrokeshire. Thanks to the stewards, who provide not only supervision, but see that the safety of the public is ensured. Thanks also to our sponsors, who have not only grown in number, but have magnificently given us their support this year, surpassing anything that we have had previously. This can only assist the show as it expands year by year.

Finally, this is my second attempt at staging the Pembrokeshire County Show and I feel a little more comfortable this year than I did last year. I hope you all enjoy the atmosphere and take to the show in a happy spirit that it is meant.