ORGANISERS of Ryedale's biggest agricultural show were hoping to attract more visitors than ever today, in spite of the wet weather conditions.

The Ryedale Show, which was being held at Welburn Park, Kirkbymoorside, is one of the few country shows in North Yorkshire this year displaying livestock.

"It is a great relief to be able to say there are cattle, sheep and pigs here, because that is a vital part of any show," said secretary Peter Woodall.

"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.

The public was not being allowed near the livestock, which were cordoned off in a bio-security area.

The show was cancelled last year because of the foot and mouth outbreak.

The one-day show was featuring more than 1,000 horses, stalls for children,about 150 trade stands and a dog show.

Updated: 11:34 Tuesday, July 30, 2002