PANTOMIME cattle replaced the real thing at an agricultural show yesterday.

The recent foot-and-mouth outbreak meant livestock was banned from the 95th Reeth Show, in North Yorkshire.

However, members of the local young farmers' group helped fill the gap in the programme by dressing up in cow costumes.

Melissa Guy, from Reeth Young Farmers, said the group had been asked to stage the display by the show committee.

The absence of livestock failed to dampen spirits or deter visitors to the show, with thousands flocking to the Swaledale showground, which enjoyed bright sunshine in the afternoon.

Organisers also reported record numbers of entries in many classes.

Show chairman Syd Bainbridge said: "Considering the restrictions, it's gone very well. We are very grateful to members of the public for supporting the farming community. It's a struggle at the moment and we need them."

For the first time in the event's history, the show was presided over by a woman. Kathleen Brown has helped run the show for the past 45 years and said she was very proud to be appointed president.

The committee decided it was important the show went ahead despite the restrictions on livestock, she said.

"We're hoping that the restrictions will soon be lifted so we can get back to normal," she added.

Attractions included performances by Reeth Brass Band and numerous stalls and side-shows.

There was also a mounted fancy dress competition, pet show and tug- of-war contest.

The sheep dog trials took place despite the ban on the movement of animals because the sheep were in the field already and did not need to be moved.

The senior fell race record was broken for the second year in a row.

Alistair Dunn, from Helm Hill Runners, in Kendal, Cumbria, finished in a time of 15min 40sec, beating Joe Forest by one second.

During the morning, a small number of vehicles belonging to exhibitors and competitors were inspected by officials from HM Customs and Excise.

It is understood the operation led to several fines being handed out for the use of red diesel in non-agricultural vehicles.