National ploughing contest held

The two-day event culminates in a "plough-off"

The 58th British National Ploughing Championships have been taking place in the Kent countryside.

Thousands of people are expected to watch the event on Saturday and Sunday, which is being held near Marden for the first time in 11 years.

Some of the contests will involve horse-drawn ploughs, although most will be pulled by tractor.

The organisers said competitors included past and present British, European and World ploughing champions.

Winners will get the chance to represent Britain in the 2009 World Ploughing Contest in Slovenia.

'Ploughing spectacular'

The international competition attracts interest from 28 other countries, including Australia, France and Canada.

Ken Chappell, of the Society of Ploughmen, said: "Clearly the decision to bring the national championships back to the area for the first time in eleven years was a good one.

"It will add up to a ploughing spectacular and provide a great rural day out for all the family to remember."