THE Great Yorkshire Show officially opens its gates today and visitors will be greeted by an absolute mammoth for the first time ever.

The much-loved event returns after a Covid 19-enforced absence last year, which led to the show being hosted virtually.

Those who are lucky enough to be part of the 26,000 able to attend each of the event's four days, restricted due to Government restrictions, will get chance to see the most technologically advanced combine harvester in the world.

The monster machine is making its debut at the event and has been provided by Ripon Farm Services.

The Great Yorkshire Show runs from today until Friday - extended for the first time to help improve safety - and will open between 8am and 6pm to allow visitors to arrive and leave in a more staggered way and help avoid queues.

But with a reduced capacity, tickets have already sold out and they are not available on the gates this year.