THEY are at the ready to serve swelling crowds of thirsty punters at Hamp-shire’s biggest agricultural and countryside show.

Staff at the Ringwood Brewery are preparing to pull thousands of pints at this year’s New Forest and Hampshire County Show.

The three-day show, backed by the Daily Echo, is one of the largest of its kind in the south and kicks off on Tuesday, July 30, at New Park, Brockenhurst, and is expected to attract nearly 100,000 visitors.

The brewery – which has just rebranded and launched a eye-catching new logo – will tempt with its four permanent cask ales Old Thumper, Fortyniner, Boondoggle and Best Bitter served at The Black Boar and Snaffle Bar.

Their full Ringwood range will be on offer at its Commoners Drift Bar, plus a range of guest ales and 24 other cask ale products.

The company’s brewery shire horses Monty and Fred will be showing off their harnesses on Thursday and people can grab a photo next to the firm’s vintage Bedford lorry and pick up T-shirts, bottles and other items from their merchandise stand.

Staff will also be out and about on the brewery’s beer bike – a mobile bar providing a faster way to get served.

Company brand manager Rachel Barnet said: “We believe our beers will be a smash given the weather forecast!

“Our experienced tour guides will be there on hand to answer any questions about our brewery, so why not speak to them about organising a tour?”

The Devils Horsemen and a Roman chariot racing display are among the headliners for this year’s show.

Royal visitors will be the Earl and Countess of Wessex while more than 2,500 horses and riders will compete in an array of classes and show-jumping competitions.

There will be nearly 1,000 sheep, 300 cattle and 100 pigs in the livestock section plus hundreds of trade stands, craft stalls and a bustling food court.