Last updated 00:10, Saturday, 25 October 2008

TODAY'S Buttermere Shepherds' Meet was cancelled due to safety fears because of bad weather.

It was due to take place at Lanthwaite Green, between Lorton and Buttermere.

Chairman Bob Benn cancelled the event on Thursday afternoon after heavy rain and strong winds swept across the area.

The land where the show is held is owned by the National Trust, which objected to it going ahead as it would breach safety conditions.

It is the second year in a row that the show has been cancelled - it did not go ahead last year because of the foot and mouth outbreak.

The show, in its 32nd year, attracts local farmers from Ennerdale, Lamplugh, Buttermere, Borrowdale and Lorton.

The event was also due to feature a dog show, wrestling competition and fell race, which see competitors travel from the North East to take part.

Louise Haston, 29, secretary, said: "It's really disappointing that we've had to cancel the event this year.

"We really hoped that the weather would improve but its got worse and the ground has become unsafe for people to walk on.

"Its a shame because last years sheep show was cancelled because of foot and mouth so we were hoping to have a bumper show this year."