ORGANISERS of Durham County Show were last night counting the cost of relocating to Washington, after takings for this year's show were significantly down on recent years.

They blamed the show's move from its usual pitch, near Chester-le-Street, as the principal reason for the poor attendance figures.

The annual event usually attracts about 20,000 visitors, but this year's show only managed 15,000 - a figure which has left the event facing considerable losses.

Organisers say a similar poor showing next year could threaten the future of the event.

Durham County Show treasurer Michael Gibbney said: "If the same happens next year we will have to seriously look at whether or not it is worth continuing.

"The fact that this is the first year at a new location created difficulties for us.

"Our gate receipts have been down by half because the casual visitors, as opposed to the member or competitor, have deserted us this time.

"Having said that, it's not all doom and gloom. Sunday's dog show - the biggest one-day event of its kind in the North-East - was a resounding success, and all our classes remained steady. With the current climate in farming, that in itself is a minor triumph."

Earlier this year, the show, now in its 159th year, lost its site at Lambton Park, Burnmoor, but Sunderland City Council stepped in by offering the Northern Area Playing Fields in Washington as a new venue.

Mr Gibbney said: "We are extremely grateful to the council for their help, and we expect to be here again next year, but in the meantime we will look at various other sites with them."

l Show results will appear in The Northern Echo tomorrow.