ONE of the UK’s largest and most exciting forestry, woodland trees and timber show is coming to Alcester.

As part of APF 2018 some of the world’s top poleclimbers will descend on Ragley Estate to compete in the Husqvarna World 25m poleclimbing championships.

The climbers will race head to head up two huge 100ft Douglas Fir poles with the top climbers aiming to do this in less than 10 seconds.

The climbers have specially designed titanium spikes on the toes of their boots which they kick in as they run up the poles.

Held once every two years the competition this year is promising to be something special.

The current world champion, Dan Whelan, who won the title in 2016 with a time of 9.96, will defend his 2016 title but faces stiff competition from several others all capable of sub 10 second times.

It is just one of a huge series of events taking place over the three days of APF 2018.

Other events include the European chainsaw carving championships, the world log to leg polelathe turning championships, over 30 traditional woodland craft skill demonstrations, driving championships, fencing, horse logging displays, and 2.5 miles and more than £50 million of working forestry and woodland machinery.

For more details on the event, which takes place September 20, 21, and 22, go to apfexhibition.co.uk.

The first Exhibition was held at Longleat Estate in 1976.

It is returning to Ragley Estate after being staged there in 2004, 2006, 2012, 2014 and 2016.