UP to 7,000 people are expected to join a celebration of rural life when the Duke of Grafton opens up his land for a major charity event.

The Euston Park Pastimes Event has been going more than 20 years and has become a staple part of Suffolk’s countryside calendar.

Last year, the event, held at Euston Park near Thetford, raised nearly �15,000 for St Nicholas Hospice Care in Bury St Edmunds.

Duke Harry, the 12th duke of Grafton, told how he was looking forward to this year’s event on June 10.

“It will again be a massive mixture of rural events,” he said. “It is a great charitable and fun event and we are pleased to keep it going. We’ve been really lucky and people have been very local to the event with about 6,000 or 7,000 people coming along last year.”

He said while the organisers were always open to fresh ideas, the event by and large stuck with its traditional and popular mix of displays and shows such as falconry, flowers, horse and hounds, tractors and vintage vehicles.

“It has got a real charm,” said the duke.”And it is in Euston Park which was designed by Capability Brown and William Kent which John Evelyn helped them sculpt into a natural ampitheatre.”

He added the show involved nearly everybody connected with Euston.

The duke himself will be judging the classic and vintage vehicle displays though was quick to point out that despite liking cars he was ‘not a massive petrol head’.

The doors are open from 10am until 6pm and tickets are �8 adults, �4 under 12s and free for the under fives.