Wish you were here, Mr Chirac (From Gazette & Herald)

Wish you were here, Mr Chirac

THE Malton Show was back today, with hundreds of visitors expected to support the event.

Today is the first time the show has taken place since the summer 2000. It was cancelled last year because of the foot and mouth crisis.

Malton Mayor Anne Hopkinson was hoping for clear weather throughout the day.

"It was a bit cloudy this morning, but hopefully it will pick up," she said.

"A lot of hard work and effort has gone into organising it and I hope as many people as possible support it."

Yorkshire and Humber MEP, Robert Goodwill, was planning to distribute pre-written postcards calling on French President Jacque Chirac to lift the British beef ban.

"All people will have to do is sign the cards and stick a stamp on and post it. Hopefully if enough people send them the pressure will be on Chirac to lift the ban," said Mr Goodwill, who was also demonstrating his steam engine at the show.

"I am a steam engine enthusiast. I bought this particular engine in Czechoslovakia, though it was made in Sheffield."

Updated: 12:47 Thursday, June 27, 2002