AFTER the deluge . . . the drying out.

Organisers are hoping the Stockton Summer Show will live up to its name today following a disastrous start when heavy rain deterred visitors to the Preston Park showfield, near Stockton.

Forty horse boxes had to be pulled from a quagmire of mud by tractor, following Saturday's storm, horse and pony classes being switched to the Stainsby Equestrian Centre, near Middlesbrough, which did not see a drop of rain all day.

Top-class show jumpers entered equestrian events which were able to go ahead in the park yesterday. There are also Army displays, comedy acts, live music and craft and trade stalls and stands to visit at the three-day event.

"We are hoping people will come out. It is a good, cheap, family weekend,'' said Stockton Borough Council events officer Derek Batchelor