ORGANISERS of last weekend's Three Counties Countryside Show say they intend to bring livestock back next year in the light of the lowest attendance figures for 20 years.

The annual show - this year rebranded to include more family-orientated attractions - pulled in about 86,000 visitors over the three days.

This was 12,000 fewer than the 96,000 who attended the previous show two years ago. Last year's event was cancelled because of foot and mouth and similar regulations saw the livestock classes lost this year.

Three Counties Agricultural Society director Gareth Smith said he was disappointed at the figures but pointed to the lack of livestock.

He also said that when the society had budgeted for the show it was based on having a livestock element and attracting in the region of 96,000 visitors.

He said: "It's inevitable that you look at figures and numbers as a measurement of success, but there were a heck of a lot of people going around the show very happy who had had a great day out.

"Let me categorically say that the countryside element actually worked extremely well and brought a lot of interest and people into that area.

"There's an awful lot more barometers to success than just a few figures."

Mr Smith said TCAS now had to see what happens "externally" with regard to the livestock issue, including future advice from DEFRA.

TCAS will also host a new Leisuretime show in August as it tries to tap into a slightly different market and is currently looking at itself and the way it is run.

"We are now examing the mission statement and making sure we are still running to do that and promoting agriculture in a more efficient way," said Mr Smith.