Organisers of the cancelled South of England Show are asking people to donate part of their admission money to safeguard future events.

The event, which usually attracts up to 100,000 people to the South of England Centre at Ardingly, had to be put off because of the foot and mouth crisis.

The cancellation is expected to cost the society, which runs the show, around £450,000 and it fears it will not be able to finance future events if it ends up in debt.

The costs will also affect the society's ability to fund more than £100,000 worth of awards, donations and sponsorship it provides each year.

Organisers are making a desperate plea to those who would usually pay up to £12 a ticket for the three-day show in June to make a donation.

A statement on behalf of the society said: "If everyone who has enjoyed the show in the past and would have attended this year's South of England Show donated as little as a £1 it would go a long way to overcome its financial deficit.

"Prolonged closure and cancellation of the shows will hamper the society's ability to support the farming community.

The current crisis has put tremendous financial and emotional pressure on farmers across the southern counties and the society is exploring ways of offering them long-term advice and support."

This year's show, featuring the best of Sussex produce and open air entertainment, was due to take place on June 7, 8 and 9.

It was called off last month for the first time in its 35-year-history.

The May Bank Holiday show was also cancelled.