WESTMORLAND Agricultural Society is to extend the showground at Crooklands by 29 acres and one cottage.

The society has also submitted plans to double the number of parking spaces by adding to the hard standing opposite its Lane Farm headquarters.

Speaking ahead of the society's AGM this weekend, chief executive Rodger Read said, in spite of the disruption caused to the society's events programme by foot-and-mouth, Lane Farm itself had been busy throughout the year with facilities being used for high-profile meetings with MPs and ministers and bookings from other agencies.

More than 200 farming families have also been trained to use IT equipment at the society's computer rooms.

The new property, Lanes Cottage, belonged to the Westbury family and will provide accommodation for Mr Read and his family enabling their current home within Lane farm to be converted into more meeting rooms and facilities for the society.