ANIMAL lovers can enjoy a day out with pampered pooches, creepy crawlies and feathered friends as the Great British Pet and Country Show comes to Hylands Park. 

The estate will host the show over the Bank Holiday weekend and stall holders and animal enthusiasts from across the country are expected to make an appearance. 

Visitors will come face to face with farm yard animals, creepy crawlies and friendly ferrets as well as snakes, lizards, parrots, dogs and horses.

The Essex Ferret Welfare Society (EFWS) will be celebrating their 30th birthday at the show this weekend.

The EFWS team have rescued over 4000 ferrets since the birth of their organisation.

They will run a series of ferret races and open ferret shows on Sunday, May 29.

The public will be given a chance to vote for the ‘Cutest Ferret’ and ‘The Ferret You’d Most Like to Take Home’ award.

Essex-based, Hamilton Stud, will also feature at the show with several horse training displays.

Hamilton Stud specialise in the breeding and development of Rocky Mountain horses - an American breed which originated in the state of Kentucky.

Professional trainer, Cassey Morris, will lead a series of demonstrations involving Rocky Mountain horses with a focus on round-pen training, herd behaviour and leadership skills.

Cassey will also showcase some horse trick-training.

For reptile lovers, the Federation of British Herpetologists (FBH) will be bringing a variety of different snakes, lizards and spiders.

Visitors will be able to take part in reptile handling. FBH experts will be sharing their wealth of reptile knowledge with visitors throughout the day.

A section of the show will be dedicated to dogs and canine products.

All dog owners are welcome to bring their dogs to the show providing they are kept on a lead at all times.

Canine visitors will be able to take part in a range of activities with their owner including agility courses and scurry.

The show will also feature falconry displays and gun dog training displays. Plus, Hawthorne Heavy Horses will be offering visitors carriage rides.

There will be an extensive selection of food and drink available to purchase at the show.

Wether visitors are after a quick bite to eat or if they’re looking for something to take home, there will be a diverse selection of freshly prepared quality food and drink on offer.

Show organisers, Aztec Events, said: “This is very much a show organised by animal lovers for animal lovers and we can’t wait to host it in the stunning grounds of Hylands Park.

"It’s going to be an unmissable family day out! There will be a huge range of different animals at the show so wether you’re a horse lover, a dog lover, a ferret lover or just an allround animal lover, this is a show for you!”

For more information or to book discounted advance tickets for the Great British Pet & Country Show visit: www.petandcountryshow.co.uk Show

The show will run on Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30 between 10am and 5pm. 

Visit petandcountryshow.co.uk for more details.