A POPULAR agricultural show has returned after being cancelled last year.

The South of England Show, taking place at the South of England Showground in Selsfield Road, near Ardingly, has started and will be running until Sunday.

The show focuses on agriculture, country pursuits and connecting people with the countryside and its industries.

The showground was deemed a Good to Go venue by Visit England, after being able to show that it was meeting strict Covid-19 regulations.

Some traditional elements of the show did have to be cut from the event this year to accommodate the safety restrictions.

This means there will be no equine horse showing and livestock competitions.

However, showjumping and displays of British livestock are still going ahead.

People also have the opportunity to experience life as a Saxon or a Viking at the medieval re-enactment zone.

A spokeswoman said: "It has been an amazing first day of the show, and we were delighted to see so many people being able to connect to the countryside once again.

"The show is running on restricted numbers to offer a safe environment for visitors. We look forward to welcoming more people over the weekend."

Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, people can only buy tickets in advance. There is also a limit on the number of people that will be admitted each day, so people can socially distance themselves effectively.