Bakewell Show's directors pegged prices in the hope of attracting bumper crowds to this year's event despite the credit crunch.

Joint show director Brian Bakel said: "We know everyone is having a hard time, but for farmers this comes on top of falling prices at the farm gate and more and more legislation from Brussels. It's making it increasingly difficult to earn a living.

"So we have pegged our prices and are doing as much as we can to make sure people can have a really good value day out.

"It's a good cost-effective day out for all the family and we work hard to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy," added Mr Bakel.

Despite the price freeze, a new, larger events schedule has been planned for the show on August 6 and 7.

The food hall will be moved into the Agricultural Business Centre and a new area called Farming, Food and Fun has been created to include the popular cheese sculpture and children's area.

There will also be a new heavy horse village where visitors can get close to big breeds and learn about their habits and care.

And the village green area will be expanded this year, with a production of the musical Oliver on the lawn set to delight crowds.

For the first time, some horse competition qualifying events will take place on Tuesday afternoon to ensure everything can be fitted in.

Show manager Janet Bailey said: "It's the only way to do it. We have such large entries these days and we are under pressure to have new and different classes each year."

Other attractions include Solent Eagles junior motorbike display team, the return of Titan the Robot and the ever-popular tug-of-war competition.