THE country's first sheep show since the foot-and-mouth outbreak more than a year ago is to take place in the region next month.
The Eastgate sheep show, in Weardale, County Durham, which like all agricultural shows in the country was cancelled last year, has been given permission by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to go ahead on Saturday, June 1.
While entries will be restricted to local stock only, the news has been warmly welcomed by residents.
Show organiser Paul Collinson said: "While the event will be confined to sheep from Weardale, it is great to get the wheels turning again.
"Our show will be the first in the country, and will be the pioneer for other sheep shows to get back to normal."
The Eastgate sheep show, which is normally held in April, was started 17 years ago and has become an established part of the farming calendar.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article