THE organisers of Usk Show say this year's event will go ahead on Saturday, as volunteers work around the clock to help dry the Showground.

Determined to beat the wettest summer on record, volunteers and committee members have been pumping off standing water and bringing in wood chip and straw for the thousands of visitors, entrants and over 200 traders coming to Usk Showground in Gwernesney .

Usk Farmers' club chairman, Ann Bowyer said the decision to go ahead was made after several site meetings.

She said: "Some people have said it is madness to go ahead, but the weather forecast looks good for the next week and we really want to give people a good show to attend."

However, organisers have cancelled the show jumping classes but all pre-show day entry horse classes and all other section competitions will take place.

Other changes include no ringside parking and the main and countryside ring will be amalgamated.

Visitors are being advised to wear wellies and to use free park and ride from Usk College and Woodside Car Park or shuttle buses from Twyn Square.

Last year's event attracted 18,000 visitors who flock to the ground to see livestock compete in a range of classes including goat, sheep, pig and cattle, a vintage vehicle display, horticulture and to sample local produce and crafts in the food hall and craft marquee.

The Showground opens at 9am on September 8. Tickets are £10 adults, OAPS £7 and children aged five to 15 are £3.