THE spirit of the countryside will be in the air at the Westcountry Game Fair at the Bath and West showground this weekend.

There is something for the whole family, all in the great outdoors, from dog display teams to having a go at clay pigeon shooting. A terrier and lurcher show will be held once again in the Fine Food Hall, with entries £1 per dog.

There will also be lurcher racing and jumping on the Sunday.

The Essex Dog Display Team, the only civilian team ever to be chosen to appear at the Royal Tattoo, will be one of many attractions in the outdoor arena. A falconry display will also be staged, with the chance to learn the basics of bird training and to see the birds up close.

Wildfowling, ferreting, and gundog displays are other countryside attractions at the show. On Sunday a variety of local hunts will feature, with Illminster Beagles, Culmstock Hunt, and the Wiltshire and Infantry Beagles being among those on parade.

Samsalin Dog Rescue, based in east Yorkshire, will be offering a dog crche near the visitor entrance to the ground. It costs £2 per dog per hour, with all proceeds to the dog rescue centre.

Those who like to get stuck in can try their hand at clay shooting, archery and fly casting. The countryside shopping village will be based in four halls with stands including animal feed, clothing and dog beds.

There is also a food hall featuring a game cookery theatre, with many local suppliers selling a variety of food, drink and cooking products.

The show is being held at the Bath and West showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March between 9am-5pm.

Admission is £9 for adults, £8 for OAPs and £6 for children aged five-16, with under fives getting in for free. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs £25.