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.