ONE of Gwent's top agricultural shows was cancelled because its organisers have a cash crisis.

St Mellon’s Agricultural show will now not take place in Newport this Saturday. Organisers cancelled the 135th annual event after a run of bad luck, combined with the effects of the recession, took its toll.

Committee members took the decision after reserve funds for 2011 ran to just half of the usual £20,000 needed - after the show was cancelled five times in 12 years.

The show moved from Cefn Mably to Tredegar House in 2000 but was also shelved during the 2001 foot and mouth crisis, the 2004 Eisteddfod and in 2007 and 2009 because of bad weather.

Now its whole future is in doubt unless more money can be raised for 2012.

Chairman Karen Meakin said: "If we don’t get the extra help it is a possibility we would not be able to run again next year, but at the end of the day committee members are committed to putting another one on."

Ms Meakin said with the current level of reserves, the £20,000 ground hire and cancellation costs involved simply proved too much of a gamble this year.

Total costs of around £50,000 are largely recouped through more than 100 traders, 1,000 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors who usually attend.

But some firms have gone out of business, while others are leaving entry to the show to the last minute.

A £8,000 bill to reinstate grounds damaged by heavy rain in 2008, coupled with competition from the Newport Festival, were also damaging, Ms Deakin said.

"It’s across the board – the type of show we are putting on is a big expense and I have to be honest last year it didn’t help Newport put on so many free events on the same day," she said.

"But we are all committed to putting the show back on and any help we can get would be gratefully received, and any ideas of what the public would like to see."

Suggestions for fundraisers, or any other offers of support, can be made on 01495 755267 or at KarenJMeakin@aol.com