ORGANISERS of Ryedale's biggest agricultural event are hoping for more visitors than ever next week.

The Ryedale Show is one of the few country shows which will be displaying livestock, confirmed organiser Peter Woodall.

"We have gained approval from the Government's vets, which means we will be judging livestock," he said.

"It is a great relief to be able to say there will be cattle, sheep and pigs there, because that is a vital part of any show.

"We won't have the usual numbers - about 60 per cent of the usual number of cows, 41 per cent for sheep and 88 per cent of pigs.

"Obviously the public will not be allowed near the livestock and we will have them cordoned off in a bio-security area.

"But the livestock will be led into the main ring where they will be judged in front of the crowd.

"Despite this the show will still be a very popular event and we're expecting a lot of people.

"I think a lot more people will make an extra effort to come out to show their support because of last year's cancellation."

The show, which is being held on Tuesday, July 30, was cancelled amid last year's foot and mouth outbreak across the UK.

"We usually attract around 15,000 people so it really is the biggest agricultural event in the district," added Mr Woodall.

"There will be lots of other things for people to enjoy.

"We will have the fur and feather tent and there will be stalls for the children and we will have around 150 trade stands.

"There will be 1,050 horses on display at the show and a dog show. The only thing we won't have this year are goats. There have not been enough entries to justify a separate tent."

Ryedale MP John Greenway said he was looking forward to a successful day.

"It is very great news that the show organisers are being allowed to have livestock," he said.

"It is a big social event for many farmers across the North Yorkshire area and it will be good to see some familiar faces."

Updated: 08:06 Tuesday, July 23, 2002