AN agricultural show in County Durham will go ahead next weekend - but without its usual Swaledale sheep.

The committee of Bowes Show, near Barnard Castle, "regretted" that Thursday's announcement that livestock could return to shows from tomorrow, September 3, had come too late.

Extra controls would have to be imposed and at their meeting on Thursday night it was still not clear whether the 20 days standstill for stock was still in force.

However next Saturday's show on September 8 has attracted around 700 horse entries, dogs, and an all-time record horticulture and produce section.

The resumption of livestock markets and livestock at shows is another stage in the relaxation of controls following the foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey.