REGULATIONS still in force following last year's foot-and-mouth outbreak continue to affect agriculture shows in the North-East.

Shows which have been staged in Weardale, for more than 100 years, will go ahead in the next few weeks, but with depleted livestock classes.

For the first time in living memory there will be no sheep or cattle classes at the Weardale Agriculture Society's 133rd show at St John's Chapel on Saturday, August 31.

"It is extremely disappointing but we just do not have the manpower to implement all the measures needed to show livestock," said show secretary Mavis Humphrey.

Officials of the St John's Chapel show are hopeful that a strong entry in horticulture and industrial classes will pull in the crowds. There are also plans for a cross-country run to replace the fell race.

Officials of the 223rd Wolsingham show, staged on the first weekend in September, are going ahead with livestock classes.

"So far, the numbers of entries have been very disappointing," said show secretary Gordon Dobson. "The Defra (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) regulations have brought nearly everything to a standstill."

For the first time, the Wolsingham show, reported to be the oldest in the country, will be taking place on the new showground, at Scotch Isle, bought by the local agriculture society two years ago.

Sheep and cattle classes are going ahead at Stanhope Agricultural Show on the second weekend in September.

"We are hoping for a decent entry, but it's too early yet to say how this will turn out," said show secretary Mike Robson.

One of the highlights of the Stanhope show is likely to be displays by the Weardale Horse Squad, a group of mainly young farmers on horses and quad bikes.