RACES that have been run since before the Second World War are being axed from this year's Kilnsey Show.

The flat races - the 100 yards, 440 yards and the mile - have all been removed from the event, to be held on Tuesday August 31.

Show secretary Jack Sanderson said this year's programme was packed full of events and some cuts had had to be made because of tight scheduling.

Mr Sanderson told the Herald: "The harness races are at the end and we can't run them in the dark because the chance of accidents is heightened.

"Last year we had what fortunately turned out to be an accident without damage, but we can't risk that again."

He added: "We would ideally extend the event to 30 hours to keep everything running. Shows like this have gradually got to adapt. We just try to make changes as painless as possible."

He said that the future of the crag races was secure.

"It's a very distinctive North of England old traditional sport and above all that has to be kept going. Heaven will come down to earth before that's knocked on the head."

The cancellation of the flat races is not the only change to this year's event.

Extra attractions have also been incorporated. These include a falconry display in the main ring, displays by Kilnsey Angling Club and the Rylstone Calendar Girls will be attending to hand out prizes and sign copies of their book.

This year's event will also feature an enlarged farmers' market with 30 or more stalls.

Dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, are banned from the field this year.