OFFICIALS of Osmotherley Show made a pledge to be back as this year's event was called off.

"There will be a show in 2003 come rain or shine," promised chairman Michael Read after announcing that last weekend's event was being abandoned because of the appalling weather.

Committee members will consider contingency plans in case rain hits plans next year. This is the second year in a row that Osmotherley has been unable to stage its annual show - the reason last year was foot-and-mouth.

Mr Read said waterlogged ground after days of heavy rain late last week left officials with no choice. "The ground was under water so we did not really have a decision to make in the end," he said.

"It was just too bad. We could not get anything parked and knew the ground would never be dry enough to get anything off the road. Sadly, we had to take the decision to call it off.

"We could not re-schedule. The only other time would have been this weekend but it would have been too hard to let people know. It is heartbreaking after all the hard work people have put in. We have now had two years without a show."

Officials will have to pay for tents that had already been put up and expect people to be writing to the secretary for their money back.

"It will cost us a substantial amount of money," said Mr Read. "We considered all the options, such as keeping certain events running but there was still the problem of parking.

"Thursday night crucified the event. Let's hope it will be better next year. We have a strong committee and we will keep going. There will definitely be a show next year come rain or shine.

"We will think about what we can and can't do should the weather be bad as most of our events are outdoors."

Officials even had to cancel an evening dance to have been held in a marquee on the showfield.

All stops were being pulled out for the 96th annual show at Thimbleby in a bid to make up for last year. Livestock classes would have been missing, but a small display of sheep and calves was planned and everything else would have been the same as in other years, including sheepdog trials and equestrian events..

The committee was looking forward to a good turnout on the day with advance entries similar to two years ago.

Organisers salvaged the prize draw which took place on Saturday evening at the Haynes Arms; all prizewinners have been informed.

Anyone wanting entry fees, sponsorship or donations refunded should apply in writing, with a sae, to: Osmotherley Show Secretary, Stank Hall, Bullamoor, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL6 3RB, by August 31