A COUNTRY show is hoping to put the nightmares of the last couple of years firmly in the past and begin a new era on a new site.

Wensleydale Show was cancelled in 2001 at the height of the foot-and-mouth crisis, and, with restrictions still in place last year, organisers could only manage a limited comeback at Leyburn's auction mart 12 months ago.

There was a further question mark over the event's future when it was announced the showfield on Moor Road, on the edge of the market town, was destined to become a quarry.

However, a new home has been found for one of the most traditional events on the Dales diary and organisers have pledged to work hard to make this year's show the best on record.

The new showfield is adjacent to the A6108, between Leyburn and Bellerby, with ample space for parking.

The event goes ahead on Saturday, August 23, with gates set to open at 10am.

"The new showfield is even better than the old one," said show president, Chris Iveson.

"It's only a short distance from the town centre and we can have unlimited parking on site."

Arena attractions include a visit by the Lampkin family, famous for their exploits in the world of motorcycle trials, a display by soldiers from Yorkshire-based Gurkha units, and a parade of vintage cars and farm machinery, including horse-drawn equipment.

Sheep dog trails and terrier racing also make a welcome return but a delighted show secretary, Helen Verity, said that records have been broken before the shows starts in some of the competitive classes for livestock and produce.

"In addition to really good entries in the cattle, sheep and horse classes, the horticulture and handicraft sections will also be worth seeing, specially the entries in the Harry Potter-related classes for the children," she said.

The Richmond Pipe and Drum Band will be adding a musical note to the show during the day, although entertainment is also planned in the evening, including dancing to a live band. Admission for the day costs £5 for adults, with concessions of £2.50 available for children under 16