FLAXTON'S Edward Hudson is one of two six-year-olds chosen to welcome Royalty to the Great Yorkshire show next month.

Edward will join Francesca Kottler in presenting Yorkshire white roses to the VIPs.

Sand Hutton CE Primary pupil Edward will be the first person The Countess of Wessex meets when she arrives on Tuesday July 8.

Edward is from a farming family and his mother Elizabeth also has a key role in the event as Project Manager for organisers the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Francesca, from Leicestershire, is granddaughter of Show Director Bill Cowling and her big sister Celia presented a posy to the Duchess of Cornwall three years ago.

“It will be a significant day for Francesca and Edward as they represent not only the Society but all the young people for whom the Show is such an important event,” said Bill.

Meanwhile, show bosses are cockahoop after getting the go-ahead for a new £10 million exhibition hall.

The existing hall will be replaced by one with a large foyer, café and improved toilets some time after July next year, following the 2015 event.

Harrogate Council planners have voted yes to the scheme, the biggest ever by Yorkshire Agricultural Society, according to Deputy CEO Heather Parry.

She added: “We are absolutely thrilled. This will be a real investment into the future of Harrogate to help it become the finest events town in the country.”

A detailed scheme will now be worked up for the new Hall 1. It was originally built in the 1960s to last for 20 years but is now deteriorating.

Ms Parry added: “Today’s visitors expect higher standards and better facilities than those of 50 years ago.”

Simon Kent, director of Harrogate International Centre, said: “A facility like this is another string in the bow of Yorkshire Event Centre’s facilities and strengthens Harrogate’s position as a versatile events town.”

The building is being designed by Stokesley-based P+HS Architects, who also designed the Society’s headquarters, the Regional Agricultural Centre and its award winning shop and café, Fodder.