THE foot-and-mouth crisis has brought an end to cattle classes at a popular North-East agricultural show.

Cattle had been an integral part of Lanchester Show, in County Durham, for more than 50 years.

But organisers said last night that the epidemic of 2001 - and the resulting Government restrictions on livestock movements - had made it impossible for cattle to take part anymore.

Show secretary Bill Cliffe said: "We can forget about cattle ever coming back.

"There won't be any sheep this year either, but hopefully we can get them back in later years."

The show, which took place at Newhouses Farm, between Lanchester and Consett, was cancelled in 2001 as foot-and-mouth devastated the region.

But the farming community succeeded in bringing it back two years ago, minus the livestock classes.

This year, visitors enjoyed a fun dog show and Kennel Club pedigree show, that raised funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

Police launched a Farmwatch scheme and health staff urged visitors to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. There were also horse trials, displays of falconry, vintage farm machinery, ferrets, a tug-o-war contest, craft fair and trade stands