THE ROMSEY Show opens today - with a special focus on the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

One of the first sights to greet visitors as they enter the Romsey showground today will be a Garden of Remembrance planted with 374 wooden crosses.

The crosses, all placed equidistant apart, represent the 374 men from Romsey and its surrounding villages who lost their lives fighting for King and Country during the First World War.

Hampshire Chronicle:

More than 370 crosses will be planted in the garden of remembrance

Each cross has been inscribed with the man's name and any military decoration they may have been awarded for outstanding service in the face of the enemy.

The garden will set the scene for a day of remembrance which, together with all the usual attractions of an agricultural show, has been conceived as a commemoration rather than a celebration of the centenary of the start of the war.

The key tribute will be the 'Romsey Remembers' event in the Main Ring at midday.

Members of the public will be asked to join with dignitaries in carrying 374 cards, each bearing the name and rank of someone who died as a result of the war.

Crucial to the success of this event is that volunteers from the audience come forward to swell their ranks.

“Both adults and children are encouraged to take part in this poignant act of remembrance,” said show secretary, Penny Muxworthy.

“Indeed, your participation is vital to make it a success.”

Of course, there will also be a lot more on at the event besides the commemorations, showcasing the best the community has to offer.

One man who should have no problem parking at the show is Matthew Carvalho.

He's the man at the controls of the replica Mark 1 First World War tank which will be one of the stars of the show.

The tank was built to appear in Steve Spielberg's blockbuster movie War Horse.

Although made from steel, it is much lighter than the real thing - weighing in at a mere eight tonnes rather than 20.

However, like the original it can only a manage a top speed of 4mph and when it arrived at the showground it took 15 minutes to get it from the main entrance to its parking spot.

Another highlight will be the Great War Display Team flying eight of their replica aircraft.

A Sopwith Triplane, three SE5as from the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough and the BE2c that was Britain's first military aeroplane will be circling the sky with a pair of German Junkers and a Fokker Triplane, which was the aircraft of choice for the legendary Red Baron.

Today's show runs at Broadlands from 8am until 6pm and will also feature all the traditional animal classes, vintage farm machinery, traction engines, the Food Zone and more than 300 trade stands.