ASKWITH Show has been cancelled for a second year running - because of continuing restrictions to do with the foot and mouth epidemic.

Organisers of the show, which normally takes place in June, were forced to make the decision because of restrictions still in place on the movement of livestock.

It is the second agricultural show to fall victim for a second year with Otley Show cancelling all its cattle and sheep classes this year.

Adele Marston, Askwith Show secretary, said: "It's a real shame, but there are just too many restrictions still in place. The land where we hold the show is agricultural land and with the 21 day rule, we couldn't have livestock on it for 21 days before the show and for 21 days afterwards."

Although there have been no new cases of the disease since September last year, the farming industry is only just beginning a slow recovery. And there are still tough bio-security restrictions in place by the Department for Fisheries, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) - including the 21 day rule.

Mrs Marston added she was hopeful that the show would go ahead as normal next year.

"With the show taking place in June, we'd normally be planning it by the beginning of January and we just couldn't take the chance of losing money if there was any chance of it being cancelled."

She added that although people in the village were disappointed they did understand.

"People know that we did have such an awful time last year with foot and mouth, but hopefully we'll be back next year."