REGULATIONS which threaten motor sports events held on farmland and moors could be modified following pressure from enthusiasts.

Rural Affairs Minister, Alun Michael, has pledged to look again at new rules which ban farmers from claiming subsidies on land over which bike trials and other motor sports are run.

Events across the North-East and North Yorkshire have been cancelled and organisers urged the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to clarify the regulations.

Richmond Motor Club is among those to receive a letter from Mr Michael after airing its concerns for the annual Scott Trial, held each autumn, which has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The club cancelled its May and June events but hopes a three-day trial in Swaledale in July and the Scott in October can go ahead.

In his letter, Mr Michael said: "In view of the representations made by motor events organisers, we are now looking at the rules as they impact on motorised events and may make some modifications.

"As this is a new scheme, we expect the rules to evolve in the light of experience. That applies to the guidance on non-agricultural activities as well as other details of the scheme and we will consider any suggestions put forward by farmers or users."

John Fraser, clerk of the course for the Scott Trial, said: "This is a positive step forward but, until the farmers get something in black and white, they are going to be very reluctant to let us go ahead, and we don't want to do anything that will jeopardise their payments."

Under the new single farm payment scheme, a landowner cannot claim payment for a field which is used for non-farming activities.