Otley Show is unlikely to see the return of cattle and sheep this year, despite the end of the foot and mouth outbreak.

Organiser of the show, the Wharfedale Agricultural Society, was disappointed to announce at its AGM last week that continuing restrictions on livestock movement may mean many farmers will not be able to exhibit their animals on May 18.

The show will still go ahead with its other attractions, says secretary Janet Raw, but organisers are currently working on an alternative show plan, while they await further updates from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Mrs Raw said: "We had an executive meeting in November, and the present situation with the restrictions on cattle and sheep means that there is a very strong likelihood that there will be neither at this year's show."

If the show is granted a special licence to exhibit cattle and sheep, the meeting heard, it may have to observe strict procedures - including disinfectant mats for vehicles, and possibly

disinfectant footbaths.

Mrs Raw has been keeping in touch with DEFRA about current restrictions.

Horse showing classes and show jumping will still go ahead, said Mrs Raw, and the contingency plan for the show includes expanding the dog show, and introducing a demonstration by the Lampkin Display Team, which performs on motorbikes.

She has also secured a visit from the Sheep Show farming methods display - which has offered to do a reduced-cost show if it is unable to bring sheep.

Mrs Raw said the Society had been asked by a group which brings together Yorkshire's agricultural show organisers, to lobby local MPs to help the show industry. Members suggested lobbying not only Leeds North-West MP Harold Best, but also Skipton and Ripon MP David Curry.

Society president John Stoddart-Scott said: "I have been told there is a 21-day rule being brought in for shows. I don't think they'll bring in regulations to let us have sheep at Otley Show, which is very early in the season."

The show is expecting to see its traditional tug-of-war contest much expanded this year - as members of Young Farmers' Clubs from as far off as Scotland are keen to take part in events which last year's foot and mouth outbreak denied them.

Eccup Donkey Sanctuary has been invited to the show, and a display of vintage tractors or cars may be laid on if cattle and sheep are unable to make the show.

Other organisations involved with the farming community say although the outbreak has ended, the hardships continue.

Representative of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), Christine Andrews, who attended the meeting, said that the organisation was still working hard to help farmers struggling to work amid continuing restrictions.

A donation of show cash was made to RABI to help its efforts during the foot and mouth outbreak and beyond.

RABI set up a 24-hour helpline, and worked with other organisations to offer comfort and support to those hit hard by the crisis.

Mrs Raw said the show is awaiting news from DEFRA in February on livestock movement restrictions, before finalising its plans for show day.

However, the show is confident of its future, and has provisionally set

the date of next year's show as May 17 2003.