THE 2003 Teesside International Eisteddfod, due to take place in Middlesbrough in July, has been cancelled because there is nowhere for the performers to stay.

It has been a tradition for performers to stay with local families during the competition.

But this year, the management committee has struggled to find beds for the annual visitors.

Eisteddfod chairman Derek Richmond said: "We are meeting in the fairly near future with the management committee and area organisers.

"We will sit down, put everything on the table and see where we go from here.

"We have made a decision for this year, but no decision on the future."

The eisteddfod began 40 years ago, when Mr Richmond, who is now retired, was 20 years old. Then, organisers had enough support from local families to be able to provide accommodation for as many as 42 groups.

But over the years that level of support has fallen.

Mr Richmond said: "The number of beds available in homes across Teesside and the surrounding areas for visiting competitors has fallen well short of our estimates.

"This is compounded by a shortage of area organisers to develop existing areas and to look for new areas for hospitality for the foreign competitors."

He said: "The bottom line has always been that we are unable to invite European visitors to the eisteddfod unless we have the beds and accommodation for them.

"The current international situation and its uncertainties have not helped."

General Secretary Mavis Lloyd said: "I am very disappointed. It would have been the best selection we have had for years. And the groups are disappointed."

A Middlesbrough Council spokeswoman said last night: "Projects to bring different cultural groups together are very important to Middlesbrough - that is why we have continued to support the eisteddfod for a number of years.

"We would be happy to meet with the organisers to help look for a solution to their problems."