THE ORSETT Show celebrates its 100th year on Saturday (September 2).

As one of the oldest country shows, organisers have maintained the event's popularity by combining country favourites with new innovations designed to bring in families.

Show stalwart Ray Maywood said: "Thurrock should be proud that we still have the Orsett Show which many of us think of as the jewel in the borough's cultural crown.

"Reaching our 100th birthday is something special, and we decided to celebrate by booking some really impressive displays," he added.

This year's show features a death-defying motorcycle display team - who whizz through the air pulling off madcap stunts - and the nationally renown Dancing Diggers JCBs and excavators. Digger drivers manoeuvre their bright yellow machines in ballet-style movements and lifts.

For traditionalists there will also be displays of horticulture, agriculture, hobbies and handicrafts, school displays, local societies, club and groups.

These include everything from prizewinning pumpkins through to school pupils artwork and beekeeping.

The grand display ring is central to the show, and with separate horse rings it's a focal point for anyone who likes the sight of heavy majestic horses and working dogs.

Orsett's Showground is at Rectory Road on the outskirts of the picturesque village, and is just yards from the A13.

It also boasts lots of free parking in surrounding fields. Admission is free for Primary School children, plus there's the added bonus of one free fairground ride for youngsters too.

This year's show starts promptly at 9am and the organisers chosen charity will be the Essex Air Ambulance and St John Ambulance.

Other highlights of the show will be a fun dog show (for family pets only), a chance to take on the Parachute Regiment recruitment team's paintball course, enjoy powered go-karts, learn about birds of prey and reptiles and make bread.

There will be mock battles by the Battle for Europe WW2 re-enactment team, ferret racing plus lots of steam engines, classic cars and lots more.

Thurrock's community amateur drama group - Diving Through Time - will be performing their Your Thurrock Heritage show. Performances will combine the history of Orsett and the Orsett Show.

Attendances for previous shows have been up to 14,500.

Mr Maywood said: "We feel that the motorcycles and the diggers will really bring in families. With this being the last full weekend before the children go back to school it is parents last chance to spoil them before term starts.

"As well as the modern stuff children get the opportunity to see things that are fast disappearing: old crafts and skills," he added.

Mr Maywood, from High Road, Orsett said the charity event - which is organised by a council of dedicated volunteers - had something for everyone for just £8 for adults, £2.50 for children (11-15) but with and primary kids getting in for free.