THE DEVON County Show is to feature British Sign Language (BSL) for the first time in its history. 

Two BSL interpreters will sign in tandem with commentaries for events across both the main arena and the Countryside (Phil Greed) Arena on the first day of the show, Thursday, May 16. 

In the main arena, the signing will take place from the dedicated disability platform. In the Countryside Arena, it will be to the side of the commentary box and an area will be cordoned off in front of the interpreter exclusively for deaf people to use. 

Two events will have BSL interpreting in the Countryside Arena. They are Meirion Owen and his sheep dog display at 2pm and the police dog display at 3pm. 

In the main arena, there will be three events with BSL coverage. They are vintage tractors at 4.25pm, the double harness scurry at 4.55pm, and the heavy horse demonstration at 5.25pm. 

Show Manager Lisa Moore said: “The Devon County Show should be for everyone, regardless of their ability.   

“We hope that this latest gesture, which for this year we are running as a test, will encourage more members of the deaf community to come to the show, as well as to feel more connected with the whole show experience.  

“If the demand is there, we will certainly look at rolling it out to cover more features/ days next year.” 

The Devon County Show will take place at Westpoint from Thursday, May 16 to Saturday, May 18. 

To get tickets, visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk.