A FARMING community successfully revived an annual show curtailed by the foot-and-mouth epidemic last year.

Lanchester Show was among many events cancelled last year due to the outbreak of the disease.

But after round-the-clock work by the 14-strong organising committee the two-day event was restored to the calendar for its 50th anniversary year.

Held at its usual venue, at Newhouses Farm, on the outskirts of Lanchester, it featured most of the traditional elements of a country show, except for cattle and sheep classes which remain a casualty of lingering restrictions.

Show organiser Carol Cliffe said the crowds rolled in all weekend and the many horse and dog classes helped to make up for the disappointment at the absence of the cattle and sheep.

"We've had thousands here over the weekend, but we'll not be certain just how many until our treasurer tallies up the figures," said Mrs Cliffe.

A popular new feature was Saturday's tug-o'-war challenge, won by the Old Farmers, captained by local farmer David Hopps, who won the champion rosette.

A Welsh cob, Gerrig Unique, of Northwick Cobs, took the supreme champion horse title, while a bearded collie was top dog in yesterday's canine classes.