The humble potato is set to be celebrated at this year’s Tendring Hundred Show, which takes place at Lawford on July 13.

Coiffed cattle, primped poultry and shapely sheep will also be among the stars.

Preparations for the 98th annual show, at Lawford House Park, are well under way and almost 25,000 people are expected to attend.

This year’s show theme of the potato will be taken up with interactive displays bringing to life for visitors how this important local crop is grown, processed and cooked with help from the East of England Co-operative and Fairfield Farm Crisps, which is run by potato farmers Laura and Robert Stathern, who are based at Wormingford, near Colchester.

The Tendring Hundred Show was first held in 1899 and has become an important event in the local calendar and a unique opportunity to bring the rural and urban populations of North Essex and the surrounding area together.

The family event maintains its strong agricultural heritage with large displays of agricultural machinery and livestock.

Tendring Hundred Farmers’ Club chairman David Lord said: “The Tendring Show continues to focus on the countryside and food and farming, offering fun and educational displays and an open air shopping experience with over 200 trade stands. It will be an action packed day of entertainment for visitors and families.”

This year’s show will feature an expanded education and outdoor activity area representing 40 local schools and institutions, as well as children’s activity areas.

A theme tent will be celebrating the potato with a BBC Junior Masterchef demonstrating recipes.

A ‘Farming on the Move’ agricultural machinery display will take place in the main ring, and a ‘Have a Go’ area is set to feature local sports and clubs.

The food hall, a celebration of regional food and local producers, will include a new-look chef demonstration area and the countryside area will have a new interactive area where visitors can make their own nest boxes.

An art show and lifestyle area will welcome regular and new artists to exhibit their work, together with the opportunity to buy anything from bespoke furniture, fabrics and rugs to designer clothes.

Animals on display at the show range from guinea pigs to rabbits to sheep and cattle and there will be a fun and educational live show of sheep breeds and shearing.