WITH just a month to go to this year's Northumberland County Show on May 29, organisers have pulled the plug on their popular poultry section because of bird flu restrictions.

Instead, the show will feature a bigger and better egg section run by a new young judge it has been decided.

Chairman, James Wardle, announced on Tuesday that following lengthy consultation with their veterinary advisers and guidance from the Association of Shows and Agricultural Organisations, the management committee had reluctantly taken the decision to close this year's poultry tent.

“We are very disappointed and saddened to not welcome the usual magnificent display of soft and hard feathered chickens and waterfowl," he said. "However we hope you will enjoy the egg show that will still be taking place.”

Dave Jarman and Mick Straughan, poultry secretaries, assisted by Vicky Pepys, have expanded the egg section, which will fortunately maintain the show’s Gold Card Award with the Poultry Club of Great Britain.

Vicky said: “We are looking forward to a great display of white, brown, Bantam and Waterfowl eggs, plus lots of decorated and painted egg classes, and I’m delighted to welcome a new young judge, Thomas Moody, who has been competing at the Show since he was just a little boy!”

Thomas Moody, of Ebchester, County Durham, has been showing poultry for eight years, and despite being a relative newcomer he has achieved excellent wins including best waterfowl at the Scottish National and best rare breed at Northumberland County Show last year. He also runs the poultry section at Blanchland Show, held in August.

Thomas said: “ I always watched the judges with great interest when I attended shows; their ability to place different birds and eggs, which look the same to most people, into first, second and third place fascinated me.

"After stewarding for some brilliant judges, I felt I was up to the job. I applied for a Poultry Club judging test after some light persuasion by Mick Straughan and others. I took my test at the Scottish national on eggs which I passed and then this year I went on to pass my waterfowl test. I’m really looking forward to judging this year. As I come to the end of another year at university I hope to go on and finish my final year in business management while judging and showing on the weekends, and hopefully come to Northumberland County Show next year with a strong team of birds.”

Richard Tulip, owner of Lintz Hall Farm Eggs of Burnopfield in County Durham, principal partners of the show, and sponsors of the poultry section, said: “Avian flu can be devastating to poultry breeders so the restrictions, even though they’re awkward – especially for free range producers, are for the best. We support the County Show because we admire and applaud excellence in animal husbandry and quality food production.”

Show secretary, Judy Willis, added: "I'm sure the public will understand how important animal safety is to the show and why we have taken this decision."

An avian influenza prevention zone was declared across all of England on December 6 last year forcing owners to keep poultry and captive birds indoors, or take steps to separate them from wild birds for their protection and safety.

Earlier this month the ban on housing poultry in England was lifted meaning flocks are now allowed outside, however a ban on poultry gatherings remains in place across the UK.

A DEFRA spokesman said: "This applies to birds including chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, and restricts events such as livestock fairs, auctions and bird shows."