A PROPOSAL to extend the Suffolk Show by an extra day has been abandoned because of fears that could jeopardise the event's "unique agricultural character".

A PROPOSAL to extend the Suffolk Show by an extra day has been abandoned because of fears that could jeopardise the event's "unique agricultural character".

Suffolk Agricultural Association, which organises the show, had announced it was considering adding a third day to the schedule as part of the county's celebrations to mark the Queen's jubilee.

Show director John Wall said the 2002 event, planned for June 6 and 7, would coincide with a week of jubilee festivities. "We though we might try for a third day on the Saturday," he added.

The proposal was initially welcomed as a boost for the region's agricultural and farming industries, following the foot-and-mouth crisis that led to the cancellation of this year's show.

But Mr Wall said it had been decided not to go ahead with the proposal, having consulted with the event's 800 trade stand exhibitors, the 650 livestock exhibitors, 270 stewards, contractors and other interested groups in the county.

"The feedback from the research reinforces our opinion of the high-standing reputation the show has developed since its inception in 1831 and we are all now working hard to ensure that next year's Suffolk Show continues this tradition," he added.

Mr Wall said traders and exhibitors were concerned extending the schedule to a third day could change the nature of the show, which is recognised throughout Britain as a premier agricultural show.

"Some county shows have moved away from their agricultural origins and have regretted it," he said. "We don't want to do that. We want to preserve the good qualities of the two-day show."