A NEW event put on by the organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show has been hailed a huge success and is set to become a regular feature.

The Countryside Live event, in Harrogate, brought the farming community out in force on Saturday and Sunday for exhibitions, stalls and livestock classes. The show took place almost entirely indoors in the purpose-built Yorkshire Event Centre at the home of the Great Yorkshire Show. It was attended by 6,375 people.

It was officially opened by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society's president, Richard Howard-Vyse.

Nigel Pulling, the society's chief executive, said: "We have been absolutely delighted with the way the show has gone.

"We have had strong support from all aspects of the farming community and with the number of general visitors it is clear the show has struck a chord.

"This is the first of what we hope will become a major event."

Updated: 11:24 Monday, October 27, 2003