ORGANISERS of Dorset County Show have announced a series of smaller events over the coming months after the main extravaganza was cancelled - which traders said will be a 'lifeline' for them.

Business owners spoke of their 'devastation' after organisers confirmed the county show - which annually attracts 60,000 people - would be cancelled for the second year due to uncertainty amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

In response, chair of the annual show, Nicki Ralph, said a diverse programme of smaller events would instead take place aimed at promoting Dorset’s renowned agricultural industry, as well as the county’s range of high-quality food and craft producers to the public.

She said: "Our new programme of events allows us to celebrate Dorset agriculture and local produce through a smaller scale format, to ensure health and safety standards are sufficiently managed.

"We look forward giving the public an opportunity to enjoy many elements they know and love from the Dorset County Show.

"Planning preparations for 2022 will also kick off towards the end of this year, so we’ll be working hard to bring back our main event in its fullest form next year."

Nigel Jelfs, who runs Noddy’s Cider in Dorchester, said he was devastated after hearing the news about the main show's cancellation, but said the smaller shows could be the lifeline exhibitors need.

He said: "It's been a tough year because relying solely on online business can be expensive, especially with shipping costs.

"It will be a lifeline for businesses and it's a step in the right direction."

The smaller-scale events include a fundraising Tractor Run, set to be held end of June. The Dorset Food and Craft Festival, which will include homecraft and horticulture classes, will be held by the end of July.

A dedicated equine show is likely to be held on September 5 according to show organisers and will include national qualifiers.

Sheep Dog Trials will be held in their usual location of Cheselborne on September 12.

By the end of September, organisers will host the Agricultural Machinery Demonstration Day, while the Ploughing Match is due to take place during early October.

The last event on the calender will be the Winter Livestock Show & Christmas Market. Organisers are looking to host this event in a town centre location so that the public view animals up close.