MALMESBURY Young Farmers will be looking to retain their crown as champions at Sunday's annual Wiltshire Young Farmers Rally.

The rally takes place at Lordswood Farm near Sherston between 10am-4pm, and organiser Sally Robinson said this year will be extra-special because last year's event was cancelled due to foot-and-mouth.

"We are hoping this year will be extra-special, because it will be the first for two years, and there should be three to four hundred people there," said Mrs Robinson.

Young farmers groups from Chippenham, Calne, Devizes, Melksham, Purton and Cricklade, Trowbridge, as well as Malmesbury, are taking part.

The challenges include repairing a puncture, dog obedience and tractor repairs.

Girls will also pit their wits in a race against time to repair part of a car.

Mrs Robinson said the rally is the main event of the year for young farmers.

Coupled with the contest to find a date for young farmers, which culminates in a ball at Chippenham's Neeld Hall next Friday, she said she is hoping Sunday's event attracts new members.

Tickets are £3.50 for adults, £2.50 for children, with under-10s getting in free. To buy a ticket call the county office of Wiltshire Young Farmers on (01249) 446523.