The Royal Show will end its 170 year run on Friday.

And this week the show organisers cast doubt over the future of several of the traditional events including the livestock competitions.

Marketing director Denis Chamberlain said that the show had to end because the organisation could not withstand the £250,000 losses it was making.

He said that it was hoped to have livestock championships held in 2010, but as yet no agreement had been reached between the organisers and the breed societies over funding an event.

Mr Chamberlain stressed that RASE will be turning its attention to educational programmes as well as staging other events including a specialised equestrian event and Agrilive Smithfield, a successor to the Smithfield Show.

He added that there will also be events for rare and minority breeds and others specifically aimed at smallholders.

He said the society will also be putting its efforts into research and development for the UK farming community and supporting rural community life.