ORGANISERS of Craven's agricultural shows are planning to go ahead this year although there may be no sheep and cattle on view.

However, over the border into Lancashire, Trawden Show has already been cancelled for 2002 due to difficulties with DEFRA rulings.

The shows - major events in the Dales calendar at Gargrave, Malham, Kilnsey and Bentham - were all abandoned last year due to the foot and mouth outbreak, and it is unclear what restrictions will be in place later in the year.

A DEFRA spokesman said: "We are doing all we can so the shows can go ahead. At the moment markets and shows are still banned but we are working towards getting back to normal in time for the shows.

"We just can't say what legislation might be in place by the summer, but there will be tighter controls on markets and shows for always."

This week Malham announced it was going ahead and had plans for a spectacular show entitled "Malham 2002 - Past and Present". Organisers aim to look back at its beginnings in the 1940s and also to the future.

As well as the horticulture, produce and crafts on show a wide number of other attractions are planned. These include vintage cars and tractors, a clog maker, rope maker, blacksmith, a ducking stool, birds of prey exhibitions, children's sports, fancy dress, baby beauty and trade stands.

But a question mark remains about livestock classes, which are subject to restrictions being lifted.

At Trawden the "21-day rule" still in operation has caused cancellation of the event already.

The 21-day rule would mean that animals which came to a show could not be returned to their home farm but would have to remain on neutral ground for 21 days. Once returned, they would not be able to travel again.

"We would have to apply for a licence, and submit to and pay for a veterinary inspection prior to show day," said Trawden Show spokesman Barbara Dutton. "There is even some suggestion that we would be unable to hold a show unless the animals were on hard standing.

"In view of this uncertainty and also the already late start to planning for a show this year, we have decided to make 2003 our return date."

Kilnsey's annual meeting takes place next month when details of this year's events will become clearer. However, plans are going ahead to stage the show.

Ron Metcalfe, show chairman, said: "We are going ahead with the show as usual. We are hoping to come up with some new ideas to put it back on its feet.

"We will be talking to DEFRA and we will certainly try our best to have livestock of some sort, although obviously there will be a lot of biosecurity.

"There will be heavy horses, show jumping and trotting - which is a big feature of Kilnsey Show. If we can get a licence for the premises we will have sheep dog trialling. There will be all the usual trade stands, tents and the members' luncheon. Hopefully we'll have some good weather too.

"We have to look forward, be positive and start again."

There are plans for a Bentham Show on September 7 this year, the event's 131st, although nothing has been finalised due to uncertainty over regulations.

Secretary Val Lawson said: "We have decided to have a show of some description but we will have to wait and see about the livestock."

Gargrave Show is holding its AGM on Monday. Secretary Sarah Tennant told the Herald: "As yet we don't have any firm plans, it will all be decided at the AGM."