ORGANISERS of a North-East agricultural show are hoping to attract record numbers of visitors despite the recent foot-and-mouth outbreak.

The 135th Stokesley Show, to be held this Saturday will not feature cattle, sheep and goats, but all other exhibits will go ahead.

There will be several hundred classes on show with a prize fund of more than £14,000.

Last year, around 20,000 visitors attended the show, some from as far away as Europe and Australia.

There will be classes for horses, poultry, pigeons, rabbits, ferrets, dairy and farm produce, horticulture, vintage machinery and handicrafts. Entries in each section are up on previous years.

The popular children's classes have attracted record entries of 1,700 over the past two years, covering pictures, collages, models, photography, pottery, cookery and crafts.

Secretary Janette Hugill said: "Everything is going well and we have plenty planned to make up for the loss of the sheep, cattle and goats.

"It is a shame we haven't got them but the entry fees will be given back as agreed.

"We have a lot to make up for it."

Aside from the exhibits, there will be entertainment for families in the two rings and around the large field.

In addition to the show jumping and riding events, the Fishburn Band from County Durham, Preston Gavioli steam-driven organ from Potto and the Pauline Reader Dancers from Derbyshire will all be performing.

There will be a parade of more than 50 vintage tractors, while the Cleveland Hounds and Stokesley Farmers' Beagles will also be on show.

Many trade and craft stands will be scattered around the field, and there will be refreshments tents.

Admission from 8.30am will cost £7 for adults, £5 concessions and children and £18 for a family (two adults and two children) pass. Children under school age go free.