ORGANISERS of a County Durham show have confirmed it will go ahead as planned with a special tribute to Queen Elizabeth II this weekend.

Posting on Facebook, Stanhope Show said: "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth was passionate about farming, animals and country life throughout her life and long 70 year reign.

"This weekend at Stanhope Show we will come together, locals and welcomed visitors, as we collectively celebrate our incredible monarch and pay tribute to her.

"We will be dedicating our Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Gate which we had commissioned to mark her 70th year as our Queen and whilst we are all saddened at our nation’s loss, we will celebrate and reflect on all that is good about farming, horticulture and country life.

"At such times, communities come together and ours at Stanhope Show will do just that this weekend."

This year will be the 180th show. It takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Unthank Park, Stanhope.

A further statement on its website said: "It has been decided that Stanhope Show 2022 will go ahead, albeit in a sombre mood.

"We will commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II on both Saturday10th and Sunday 11th September, when we call upon everyone to observe a two minute silence at 1pm on both days.

"A book of condolence will be opened by the president, chairman and officials of Stanhope Agricultural Society on Saturday 10th and will be available for visitors to pay their respects on both days."