An iconic workhorse which was a key part of farming life before the advent of the tractor is set to take pride of place in promoting this year’s Suffolk Show.

Organisers of the annual county showcase are asking the public to choose a name for the two Suffolk Punch horses which star on posters and billboards now rolling out to publicise the event.

Winners who suggest the best two names for the mare and foal are in with a chance of winning family tickets and a free car pass for this year’s show, on May 30 and 31.

The majestic heavy horse was selected in a bid to boost awareness of the rare breed.

It is Britain’s oldest native horse, with a strong and hard-working history in ploughing fields and pulling heavy carts.

Numbers are in rapid decline and the breed is becoming increasingly endangered with only 250 breeding mares left.

Suffolk Show director Bee Kemball said the breed was a “special part” of the county’s heritage.

“We’re pleased to show our support and do all we can to help raise awareness of this magnificent breed, and the fantastic work of The Suffolk Punch Trust and Suffolk Horse Society,” she said.

“Last year our poster stars were Ronnie and Reggie the Suffolk Sheep, but we wanted to invite the public to share their own name suggestions this year.

“We hope to see lots of people get involved and we look forward to announcing a winner at the beginning of March.”

The competition will run on the Suffolk Show Facebook page. Entries are open from February 1-28, and the show team will select and announce the winning names in early March.

The show will also be supporting the breed with a new Heavy Horse area and Suffolk Punch live demonstration area where show visitors can learn more about it.

Tickets for the show, which is run and managed by the Suffolk Agricultural Association, are now on sale.

Show-goers can save £5 per ticket by purchasing in advance. Advanced tickets cost £23 while children aged under 15 will once again receive free entry.

For more information and to book tickets visit the website or call the ticket office on 01473 707117.