IT LOOKS set to attract a huge crowd - but people are not the only ones who will be flocking to the New Forest Show.

The tens of thousands of spectators expected to descend on Brockenhurst next week will be joined by a huge number of four-legged visitors.

Organisers of the three-day spectacular - which starts on Tuesday - say the sheep section has once again attracted more than 1,000 entries.

Human visitors to the livestock area are due to include Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who is president of this year's show and patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations.

During a previous trip to the show in 2013 she met Britain's youngest shepherd, two-year-old Arthur Jones of Sixpenny Handley.

Arthur was grooming his sheep when he caught the eye of the royal guest, who knelt down in the straw for a quick chat.

The 2015 show attracted a record 105,000 spectators and New Park looks set to welcome another bumper crowd this year.

Visitors will be able to see almost 40 different breeds of sheep, including the Valais Blacknose from Germany and the Roussin from France.

Livestock secretary Jenny Dolbear said: "The sheep entries have exceeded 1,000 again this year.

"Over 30 judges are coming from Ireland, Lancashire, Lincolnshire and all counties south. We are excited to welcome them and look forward to a wonderful three days of competition."

The cattle section has attracted more than 380 entries.

A show spokesman said: "On Tuesday the highlight will be dairy cattle of the highest standard competing with the finest Holsteins, Guernseys, Jerseys and traditional Ayrshires.

"On Wednesday the large beef animals will be present including the magnificent Aberdeen Angus, British Simmental and Charolois breeds alongside the rarer Speckle Park, Murray Greys and Dairy Shorthorn.

"The more rare traditional cattle are showing on Thursday, which will be a wonderful opportunity to see the Irish Moiled, Highland and Gloucesters.

"Young handlers will be taking part each day with their animals - a real reason to celebrate the next generation of cattle exhibitors."