MOTORCYCLE trials organisers are fighting to save their sport by pressing for clearer guidelines on using moors and farmland.

One event in the Yorkshire Dales has already fallen victim to new Defra rules and others under threat could include the Scott Trial, held each autumn in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, which raises thousands of pounds for charity.

The Stake Road Trial, which was due to take place at the weekend at Stalling Busk, near Bainbridge, was cancelled at two weeks' notice after the landowner was advised not to let it go ahead.

The event, organised by Bainbridge and District Motor Club, has been held in April for the last six years with the farmer's blessing.

New rules from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs say landowners applying for payments under the single farm scheme must not allow motor sport on their land.

Landowners keen not to jeopardise payments have refused permission for such events but further clarification of the regulations is beingsought. The Auto Cycle Union, the sport's governing body, and the Country Land and Business Association are among organisations seeking clarification. The ACU is prepared to seek a judicial review if necessary.

Andrew Kearton, secretary of the Bainbridge club, received details of the Defra regulations two weeks before the Stake Road Trial was to take place. "The landowner had tried to get in touch with Defra but no-one could give him a definitive answer so his agent advised him not to allow the event to go ahead," said Mr Kearton. "We have had no problems in the past and he has been happy to allow us to use high, rough pasture during April, when his sheep are on lower ground during lambing.

"I went to Defra in Northallerton on Tuesday to talk about it but, again, there was no definitive answer."

Mr Kearton managed to contact most of the 100-plus riders due to take part at Bainbridge but ten turned up, including one who had travelled from Consett in County Durham. "I sat there for several hours on Sunday morning explaining it to those who turned up," said Mr Kearton. "It was a great disappointment that it had to be cancelled."

The future of two events planned by Richmond Motor Club - a three-day meeting at Reeth at the end of July and the national Scott Trial in late October, hang in the balance.

"Those two trials in particular have an impact on business in Reeth and other villages, as hundreds of riders and spectators come to the area," said Mr Kearton.

The Country Land and Business Association echoed the ACU's calls for clarification from the Government.

Dorothy Fairburn, Yorkshire regional director, said the main question was whether motor sport could be allowed on a track across land without the entire field or tract being declared on a payment form.

"The instructions specifically say no motor sport but they don't give sufficient detail," she said. "I really don't think that they mean what it says but we need clearer instructions."

A spokesman for the ACU said: "At this stage, the ACU and the Land Access and Recreation Association are collating information through their respective counsel with plans to mount a legal challenge to the Defra rulings.