FIVE-year-old Benny Evans got a sss-neak preview of Countryside Live when he met Chloe the five-foot-long python.

Benny popped to the Great Yorkshire Showground to meet some of the animals, which will feature in the event on Saturday and Sunday.

Billed as the little sister to the Great Yorkshire Show, it will feature classes for cattle, sheep, horses, poultry and pigeons as well as some far more exotic animals.

The create and explore area will have with dozens of free hands-on activities ranging from felt, bread and chocolate making, to circus skills, the story of wool and baby chicks hatching.

This year it includes snakes, tarantulas and tortoises, as well as more conventional pets including Beatrix the rabbit, provided by educational organisation Animals in Tuition.

Show director Charles Mills said: “Countryside Live is a super event, there are lots of activities and demonstrations to interest every age group.

"Animals are always a key feature, whether they are champion cattle and sheep, rabbits or even the more exotic.”

Bjorn the Polar Bear will be making his debut at Countryside Live, alongside Arctic explorer Ursula.

Olympic riders Graham and Tina Fletcher are returning to the event to run their ever-popular Search for a Talented Show Jumper competition.

Visitors to Countryside Live can also enjoy birds of prey and dog agility demonstrations, as well as the chance to drive a digger courtesy of Diggerland.

Knaresborough Horticultural Society is holding its Late Show at the event, with classes for a wide range of floral, vegetable, cookery and handicraft skills.

The Forge is playing host to farriery competitions across the weekend.

Countryside Live is open from 9am to 5.30pm daily, and parking is free. To book, visit countrysidelive.co.uk