VISITORS to a popular country show near York might think they have spent too long in the beer tent when they visit the pig pens.

This is because to get round DEFRA livestock restrictions which effectively ban pigs from some shows, organisers of Tockwith show are instead exhibiting pretend porkers.

Local schoolchildren are busy making the papier mch models, all hoping to go home having seen theirs declared head hoax hog.

Eleven-year-old Robbie Raisbeck, of Kirk Hammerton, has been working on one of the models with brothers Timmy, nine, and Michael, six.

He said: "I have enjoyed making it and I love going to the show. I really hope our pig is the winner."

Mum Lucy said: "It is a great local event, really busy with a lot of people out to support it.

"The restrictions only mean we can't have cloven-hoofed animals at the show, there will be lots of other animals, but it did seem a shame pigs couldn't be there so this is the next best thing."

Show spokesman Stuart Beaton said: "It is a bit of fun. There have been 16 entries so far. They are all behaving themselves quite well so far but we think they might get a bit livelier come show day."

Tockwith Show is held on Saturday, opposite Bilton-in-Ainsty cricket ground, from 9am to 5pm.

Updated: 11:40 Tuesday, July 30, 2002