ORGANISERS of Britain's oldest agricultural show still hope to stage the event this year, despite the foot-and-mouth crisis.

But there will be no classes for livestock at this year's show - the 223rd to be staged at Wolsingham, in Weardale, County Durham.

While many shows throughout the country have already fallen victim to the epidemic, Wolsingham officials have decided to wait until late May or early June before making a final decision.

"We are making every effort to make sure the show goes ahead," said secretary Gordon Dobson. "The only time the event has had to be called off in its long history was during the war."

Wolsingham even managed to stage a show during the last foot-and-mouth outbreak, in 1967.

The show is due to be held for the first time this year on a new showground bought by the local agricultural society.

But the sheep grazing on the land are owned by farmers from Allenheads, where foot-and- mouth has been confirmed.

"We can't do very much until they are finally moved," said Mr Dobson.

Wolsingham, staged on the first weekend in September, is the biggest of the three shows held every year in Weardale.

The Weardale Agriculture Society has already cancelled what would have been its 132rd show, at St John's Chapel.

Instead, horticultural, craft, photography and other classes not involving livestock will be held at the Town Hall, Barrington Hall and the parish church in the village, on August 25, 26 and 27.

Secretary Mavis Humphrey said: "The spirit that has kept shows like this going on through difficult times will carry on."

No firm decision has been taken yet on the 161st Stanhope agricultural show, due on the second weekend in September.

Show secretary Mike Robson said: "We are strongly considering cancellation, but we will also be looking at the possibility of staging events at alternative venues."