It was originally mentioned in jest but people latched on to it and here we are

Gerald Haines, Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers

Gerald Haines, county organiser of the Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers said: "We usually do the stock judging but as there are no cloven-hoofed animals this year we decided to enter ourselves.

"It was originally mentioned in jest but people latched on to it and here we are," he said.

Fourteen "cows" have signed up to take part in Saturday afternoon's alternative stock show at the Wadebridge ground.

There will be a �75 prize.

If the contest proves a success Mr Haines thinks there is a possibility of repeating it next year.

This year's Royal Cornwall Show was postponed from June to September because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Young farmers decided to dress up as cows

Despite the lack of traditional livestock, all 800 trade stands for the show are sold.

Show secretary Christopher Riddle said applications for stands had to be turned down and described the mood as "more than buoyant".

Horses continue to feature prominently in the show with a record 1395 entered in the various competitions.

Other animal highlights of the show, which attracts some 110,000 people, include dogs, caged birds, pigeons and rabbits.

New features, such as a motor fair, have been added in an effort to keep attendances at their usual levels.

BBC Radio Cornwall has a marquee at the show.