OFF-ROAD motorcycle enthusiasts in the region have welcomed Government plans to look again at regulations which riders say could ruin their sport.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael has written to motorbike clubs after many decided to cancel forthcoming off-road trial events.

The clubs acted after the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) changed the way landowners receive subsidies.

Under the new Single Payment Scheme of the Common Agricultural Policy, farmland used for motorsport does not qualify for subsidy payments.

Trial organisers have written to Defra complaining that they have been forced to cancel events so farmers will not miss out on the extra cash.

In response, Mr Michael has written to both landowners and event organisers.

In the letter, he 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."

Richmond and District Motorcycle Club, in North Yorkshire, has called off all of its May and June events.

However, the club is still hoping to hold the well-known Scott Trial, in October, and its traditional three-day trial, held in Swaledale, in July.

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're going to be very reluctant to let us go ahead - and we don't want to do anything that will jeopardise their payments."