ORGANISERS of a country show held near York have promised this year's event will be "better than ever", despite DEFRA rules meaning many livestock classes have been shelved.

Norman Waller, secretary to the Tockwith Show, said the cost of complying with DEFRA's anti-foot and mouth disease regulations was too great.

The rules state that livestock can't be brought on to any showland where certain types of animal have been in the previous 28 days.

Show organisers say there could be "a special surprise" in store to compensate showgoers for the lack of livestock, but declined to reveal any further details at this stage.

Mr Waller said: "The rules are so exacting we don't have the number of people available to ensure they are being complied with. We don't want to run the risk of a DEFRA official closing the show because of a breach of a very rigid policy.

"Despite all the problems we are still very confident we will stage a show that is better than ever before.

"We have full range of horse and pony classes including show jumping. The conservation marquee always attracts a great deal of interest, and this year the Ainsty Conservation Society are doing a feature on butterflies.

"There will also be one of the biggest fur and feather sections in the county, and the farmer's market is returning by popular demand. Tockwith show was one of the first to support a farmers' market and we are pleased it will be back."

The show is held at Bilton Grange, Bilton-in-Ainsty, 200 yards from Tockwith, and takes place on Saturday, August 3. Admission is £4 for adults, £3 for senior citizens and free to under 16s. Car parking is also free.

Mr Waller said the show's committee is seeking new sponsors, to help cover the £22,000 costs and more people to help with day-to- day running.

Anyone who would like to help should ring 01423 358588.

Updated: 12:02 Wednesday, May 22, 2002