COWS are coming home to the New Forest Show again this summer after last year's foot and mouth crisis forced a bovine ban.

A survey among regular cattle exhibitors has shown enormous enthusiasm for the return of the beef and dairy classes to the three-day show at Brockenhurst at the end of July.

And cattle committee chairman Steve Mitchell has announced several new classes to cater for the demand from exhibitors.

New for 2002 will be a separate class for the increasingly popular simmental breed, first day dairy classes, extra young handler classes and a best of British beef championship.

The return of the cattle, and other cloven-hoofed livestock, has meant strict veterinary controls to comply with government bio-security regulations in the wake of the foot and mouth epidemic.

Show veterinary adviser Dave Coombes said: "All of us would like to be able to get on with normal rural life after the rigours of last year.

"Livestock were sorely missed by everyone last year but by working together and following the guidelines we can all enjoy a successful and sociable show and fulfil both the farmers' and public's wishes to see these animals holding pride of place at the New Forest Show."

The New Forest Show takes place at New Park, Brockenhurst, from Tuesday, July 30.

Advance tickets will be available from June 1 at a range of outlets across the county or by calling the show office on 01590 622400.