THE foot-and-mouth crisis has put a permanent end to cattle classes at a popular agricultural show.

Cattle have been an integral part of Lanchester Show, held in Lanchester, for more than 50 years.

But organisers said that the foot-and-mouth epidemic of 2001 - and the resulting Government restrictions on livestock movements - had made it impossible for cattle to take part any more.

Show secretary Bill Cliffe said: "We can forget about cattle ever coming back.

"There won't be any sheep this year either, but hopefully we can get them back in later years."

The show, which took place last weekend at Newhouses Farm, on the A691 road between Lanchester and Consett, was cancelled in 2001 as foot-and-mouth devastated the region.

But the farming community succeeded in bringing it back in 2002, minus the livestock classes.

This year, visitors enjoyed a fun dog show and Kennel Club pedigree dog show, that raised funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

Police launched a new Farmwatch scheme and health staff urged visitors to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.

There were also horse trials, displays of falconry, vintage farm machinery and ferrets, a tug-o-war contest, craft fair and trade stands.