A solitary meadow has proved to be a blessing in disguise for a dales community battling to keep an historic sheep show alive.

For although there are thousands of sheep on the moors and fields around the hamlet of Langdon Beck in Forest-in-Teesdale, none have been allowed to graze on the field behind the local hotel.

This means that many of the strict restrictions on livestock movements, still in force following last year's disastrous foot-and-mouth epidemic and leading to the cancellation of sheep and cattle classes at other shows, will not affect this Saturday's Langdon Beck show (Sept 28).

Although, under Department of the Environment for Rural Affairs (DEFRA) rules, the 150 or so sheep going before the judges will have to go into isolation pens following the show. The Langdon Beck show was resurrected after an absence of nearly 100 years two years ago, largely through the efforts of Upper Teesdale farmers.

"It seemed like a total disaster when we had to cancel last year's show because of foot-and-mouth," said show secretary Martin Hill. "There was a very good chance it would never come back, after all you can't resurrect something like this twice."

But mainly due to the determination of farmers, helped by the Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Service and Teesdale Marketing, this year's show is going ahead.

"I think the key to this success has been the tough stance taken by Teesdale farmers following foot-and-mouth. The fact that we have a showfield where livestock have not been allowed to graze has been an added bonus."

In its heyday - in the late 1800s - the Langdon Beck show attracted thousands of visitors and entries from a mainly farming population in Forest-in-Teesdale of around 700, which has now shrunk to less than 100.

"What we are trying to achieve today," said Mr Hill, "is recreate that character and lifestyle which was typical of Upper Teesdale."

Land owner Lord Barnard, who re-opened the show two years ago, has also given it more financial support by increasing the prize money for the champion Swaledale sheep to 150 (pounds).

"It's events like this that help to cement and encourage community spirit, which is a very valuable asset in places like Upper Teesdale," he said.

Show factfile: The Langdon Beck show, held in the field behind the Langdon Beck hotel, is open to the public from noon. Entry is £1. Food is available in the hotel and a marquee on the showfield.

Apart from the sheep classes, there will be a quoits tournament, craft stalls and children's entertainment, including a bouncy castle. Music will be provided by the Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band.