A GOVERNMENT climb-down means the immediate future of one of the world oldest motorsport events is safe.

New regulations on land use meant organisers of the Scott Trial, an off-road motorcycle competition held in Swaledale, North Yorkshire, since 1914, were considering cancelling this year's event.

However, an announcement by Lord Bach, the new Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food, means the trial can now take place.

Katie Sunter, from Richmond Motor Club, which organises the event, said: "This is really good news.

"There's no reason why the Scott Trial can't now go ahead, as long as steps are taken to notify the landowners of this development."

Fears that the trial, along with many other off-road motorsport events in the region, would have to be cancelled spread after Defra changed the way landowners receive subsidies.

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

Trial organisers said they would have to cancel the events to ensure farmers did not lose out on cash.

After receiving complaints about the regulations from motorsport enthusiasts, Lord Bach moved to change the regulations. He said: "I am happy to announce the publication of updated guidance, which now provides for motor sports to take place on up to 28 days during farmers' ten-month eligibility period, on land used in support of 2005 single payment claims."