A traditional country show in County Durham shares its 50th anniversary with the Queen's Golden Jubilee this year.

This weekend's Lanchester Show will carry on the recent mood of celebration witnessed at the culmination of the Jubilee festivities.

Following the cancellation of last year's event through the foot-and-mouth epidemic, the 14-strong organising committee has bent over backwards to ensure the show returns with a bang.

The lingering restrictions means there will be no cattle and sheep classes staged at the Newhouses Farm site tomorrow and Sunday.

Show secretary Carol Cliffe said the decision was taken following consultation with Defra officials.

"It's regrettable, but it's because of the restrictions.

"The committee took the decision based on the advice we received from Defra."

Without the sheep and cattle the equine classes will take centre stage, with an impressive turn-out of agricultural horses in full harness.

Muscles will be straining as ten tug o' war teams battle it out for a £100 first prize and £50 runners-up pot, put up by the nearby Black Bull, at Lanchester.

The tug o' war final marks the culmination of the first day of the show, tomorrow, at around 4.30pm.

Among Sunday's highlights will be a Kennel Club dog show, with other attractions including the steel band Panner, fresh from the Royal Show in Warwickshire, a falconer on horse back, and children's fancy dress and painting competitions.

There will also be a children's fun fair, something for everyone on the 34 trade stands, refreshments stalls and a licensed bar.

Show-goers will also be given advice on sunburn protection by a visiting health promotion team from Derwentside Primary Care Trust.

Doors open on the show site, off the A691 Consett to Durham road, west of Lanchester, at 10am on both days, with events running through to around 5pm.

Admission is £4 for adults and £2 for concessions, with no charge for under-16s.