Prince Charles in Peterborough for East of England Show, thousands expected to attend

Thousands of people are expected at the East of England Show in Peterborough today, despite fears of bad weather.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will be a special guest on the opening day of the three day event. He will present a number of awards including Long Service prizes, the Farm Business awards and Apprentice of the Year.

This year's show will have a British countryside theme.

Show committee chairman Andrew Riddington said: "This is the biggest rural event in the local calendar and celebrates everything that is great and good about the countryside. We are absolutely delighted that its standing as a major event has been further enhanced with news of Prince Charles' attendance."

Prince Charles last visited the show in 2001. He is patron of the British Horse Loggers, who will be taking part in The British Festival of the Working Horse, a first for the show this year.