SHEEP classes will appear at this year's Great Yorkshire Show.

Show director Christopher Hall accepts that numbers will probably be down on previous years but is determined the classes will go ahead.

His announcement follows the Royal Show's decision to cancel sheep classes although, following heavy criticism, that decision is being reconsidered.

"We have always had strong classes for sheep at the Great Yorkshire but, although we expect numbers to be down, it's business as usual," said Mr Hall. "There will be stringent bio-security measures, and it's right that there are, but we are working hard to minimise the inconvenience to exhibitors, while ensuring the standards are met."

To date the show has received about 800 sheep entries, compared with 1,500 at the last event in 2000. About 30 breeds are represented - from famous Yorkshire breeds such as Wensleydale and Swaledale, to Ryelands, Texels and Shetlands.

"Obviously given the traumas of the last 12 months we would expect numbers to be down, but the support we have had from farmers since we said we would go ahead has been tremendous," said Mr Hall.

Visitors to the show will notice a difference but Mr Hall is keen to stress that they will still be able to walk round the animals. "Cattle, sheep, pigs and goats will all be in their usual locations but the area has been designated bio-secure.

"Everyone going in or out must walk over a disinfectant mat. Animals cannot be touched but, apart from this, we don't think visitors will be greatly inconvenienced."

Exhibitors vehicles will be wheel-washed as they enter and leave the showground and they must park in a bio-secure area. Animals have always been examined by a vet on arrival but the checks will be more rigorous.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organises the event, has written to all exhibitors giving details of the requirements and has promised to keep them up to date with any changes.