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It's understandable Ollie Allen, the secretary of the Devon County Show, is feeling slightly anxious about this year's event: "I'm at the nervous office stage".

After months of preparation the three day show, on 21 - 23 May 2009, has already given her a few worrying moments, but not about what you might think.

"I get sleepless nights when I have to mark out the layout for the sheep pens - counting sheep certainly doesn't get me to sleep!"Μύ

It's little wonder because this year the amount of these woolly creatures taking part has reached an all time high, with well over 1,400.

As for the cattle, numbers are looking very good but some are still awaiting results of TB tests.

Ollie has sleepless nights organising the sheep

Meanwhile the judges have already been confirmed including the Canadian Judge who was here last year to judge the Dairy Interbreed Championship.

The theme for 2009 is Devon's BIG Day Out because as Ollie says: "It's a big county and it's a big day out, and where else would you see the very best of Devon all in one place?

From farming and food to forestry and fun, it seems there is plenty for everyone and this year the show organisers are trying to make it affordable for everyone.Μύ

With BOGOF deals (buy one get one free) for senior citizens and freebies for children on the Saturday, Ollie says it's been one of the main challenges.

"I think we offer good value for money, a reminder of family values, strong rural communities, just life in Devon really."

As far as visitor numbers are concerned, Ollie says the weather can affect attendance.

"We're in a meteorological bowl here, so it can be chucking it down around us, but dry at the showground."

Further away it's the end of an era for The Royal Show, held by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, but Ollie is adamant this will not affect Devon or other shows across the UK.

"Farming and rural life has changed so dramatically the shows have to ensure they reflect this in their events."

It's all about taking part at the County Show

"We've got to take on the mantle now of what the Royal has done by uniting and showing what we do well."

For Ollie this will be her 30th year in the industry and her 14th County Show.

"It's like smoking and drinking; easy to get into, but very hard to give up."

For this Devon County Show secretary, the proof of all the hard work will be in the pudding...or in the beer tent.

"I sort of have this wobble before the show, thinking no one will come, but then the gates open and I see people coming in and I'm just excited it's started."

Find out more about this annual Devon event by logging on to the website at the top of this page.