The organisers of a historic country show in south Cumbria have defended the decision to replace horses with wooden ones.

Earlier this week it was announced that the Millom and Broughton Agricultural Show, taking place on today (August 31), would not feature any typical horse displays.

This choice came as a result of recent heavy downpours, which meant that the site was not suitable to deal with the added workload.

With the fields seen as a hazard, the organisers of the event put the health and safety of the animals and their riders at the top of their priorities.

However, in the hope of plugging the gap in the schedule, the show revealed that hobby horses would serve as stand-ins instead, leading to some scepticism amongst those in the local community.

One person wrote: "More rules and regulations are ruining age old traditions, but don't worry, we have people prancing around with horse heads on a stick.

"At least it'll be good for a laugh."

Another commented: "What a shame - I used to ride a gelding that always went much better in the worst of conditions."

It is thought it will be the first time in 143 years that horses will not feature at the agricultural show.

Hobby horsing is where participants use a 'stick horse' to compete in movements that are similar to show jumping or dressage.

The sport originally started in Finland in 2002 but now tens of thousands of people have started taking part in it all over the world - with it now making its debut in Cumbria under unexpected circumstances.

A Millom and Broughton Show committee member explained that the decision to bring in hobby horse stemmed from a desire to 'keep the young ones still interested'.

They added: "We've had to chance a few things due to the weather, like a lot of other shows - we are incorporating the hobby horse section as it's a relatively new sport that youngsters are taking it, so we are trialling it this year.

"From a health and safety point of view, we cancelled the equine section as we would have to get the heavier vehicles on the field, but [the conditions are] looking better so I don't want that to put people off."

The rest of the show is still going ahead as normal, with spectacles such as wrestling, vintage machinery, children's entertainment and a dog show.