THE countdown to this year's West Wilts show, sponsored by the Wiltshire Times, began this week.

HTV presenter Peter Rowell compered the preview event at the civic hall on Tuesday, ahead of the July show.

He said: "It is a fantastic event and very much something for the whole family."

The joint chairmen of the show steering group, Michael Williams of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce and Cllr Alison Irving, of West Wiltshire District Council, introduced the 14th biannual show.

Cllr Irving said: "Planning for the show is going extremely well and we are confident that the 2003 event will be our best yet."

Mr Williams told an audience made up mainly of local business people that in 2001 £350,000 of business was done during the show, with much more coming into the area as a result of contacts made during the event.

This year business will be an even stronger feature of the three-day event. Among the highlights will be a green roadshow, live music and a wide range of companies and organisations exhibiting their products and services.

The show's proceeds will go to Dorothy House Hospice and Stepping Stones opportunity group in Trowbridge, which helps children with special needs.