CATTLE and pigs have been given the green light to return to this year's Devon County Show, being held at the traditional May dates after last year's postponed event in August.

The move to include some cloven-hoofed animals follows lengthy discussions with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the show organisers.

Last year's event was unable to include many animals due to the foot and mouth crisis, and had to be held later in the year.

Ollie Allen, show secretary, said the decision to include cattle and pigs at this year's show was 'very good news'.

She said: 'We have taken our time in coming to a decision, to ensure we do not inadvertently set individual exhibitors or the agricultural community back.'

She said discussions with DEFRA are continuing to work towards 'sensible regulations', which would mean the full quota of animals appearing at the Devon County Show 'in the not too distant future'.

Sheep, goats and other camelids cannot yet be included, she said.

The show is in a secure financial position, despite the devastating effects of foot and mouth, it was revealed at the annual meeting.

Nigel Lindsay-Fynn, treasurer of the Devon County Agricultural Association which stages the annual event, said just a small net loss of £2,000 was recorded last year.