An agricultural show in south Cumbria has been forced to cancel any involvement of horses due to health and safety concerns.

The decision was announced by the Millom and Broughton Show on Tuesday, August 27 following an inspection of the fields, with the event still set to take place on Saturday, August 31.

The cancellation has been made to protect the health and safety of the animals and their riders with recent downpours meaning the fields are too much of a hazard, said organisers.

All entries under £10 cannot be refunded but will be carried over for the next event in 2025 - with the hope that the weather will be much better this time next year.

Despite the disappointment, the show organisers are still hoping to add an equine flourish to the event with hobby horse classes replacing the previously scheduled displays.

Classes will be:

Class 1 age 3-6 years

Class 2 age 7-10 years

Class 3 age 11-13 years

Competitors will enter the ring and perform a freestyle show for up to two minutes

Marks will be awarded for co-ordination, balance, energy and body control and overall performance of the show.