THE 53rd annual Bicester and Finmere Show takes place on Sunday and promises a host of family fun.

Events include show jumping and a dog show, as well as a host of activities for visitors.

There will be an art, crafts and food marquee with more than 60 stalls selling items from cards and jewellery to sport and film memorabilia, a fun fair, face painting and performances by Bletchingdon Silver Band.

The horse show highlight is the Celebrity Jockey’s High Jump, which has previously attracted star names such as Richard Dunwoody, Richard Johnson and Carl Llewellyn.

Gates open from 9am, at the Bicester Showground, on the A4421 between Bicester and Finmere.

Bicester and Finmere Show was first staged in 1960 by friends and local businessmen to raise money for Sally Haynes, 17, who had been paralysed in a point-to-point fall.

But the event was such a success it became a firm favourite on the horse riding calendar.

Over the past five decades more than £580,000 has been raised for spinal research and spinal injury charities, including The Back-Up Trust and Spinal Research, which will benefit from this year’s event.

Organiser Sophie Hill said: “The horse show holds the most unique competition in the country which is the Celebrity Jockey’s High Jump, and always proves to be such a spectacle.” Admission costs £5 per adult and children under 16 go free.