THE Cheshire Show has been cancelled for only the second time in its 163-year history after foot and mouth took a stranglehold in Northwich.

The decision was made by the show's management committee after two hours of intensive talks on Monday night.

The last time the show was cancelled was in 1866 due to cattle plague and the decision will be a major loss to the economy of the area.

But show secretary David Broster said they could not continue with plans that cost in the region of half a million pounds. "The show was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 19 and Wednesday, June 20 and obviously very many plans and other preparations have already been made for the event," said Mr Broster.

"In the uncertainty of how long the present circumstances may prevail, it is impossible to continue with these plans and to incur further unnecessary expenditure."

The show, held at Tabley, is the major event of its kind in the North West and one of the biggest in the country, attracting visitors and exhibitors nationwide.

Committee members yesterday, Tuesday, said that they had decided not to postpone the show and try to stage it later in the year.

Mr Broster added: "It is regretted that we have had to make this decision but the committee felt that they had no option but to cancel.

"It was felt that to go ahead without the inclusion of animals would so dramatically alter the whole nature of the event that it would not be the 'Cheshire Show' our visitors have come to expect."