NEW Forest Show bosses have dismissed fears that a late start to the school holidays could cost the event thousands of pounds in lost income.

Schools across the county will not break up until July 27, which means children will be unable to attend the first two days of the show.

The revelation has sparked fears that many families will give this year's event a miss.

Mum Debbie Allen, of New Milton, said: "It will have a terrible impact on the show, which is a great shame.

"Hampshire County Council should have made the show a priority. Why can't the schools break up two days earlier?"

But show secretary Denis Dooley said the clash of dates would have only a "minimal" impact on the event, which attracts about 100,000 visitors from across the south.

He said: "It only affects schools in Hampshire and not those in neighbouring counties.

"Hampshire children who can't come to the show on Tuesday and Wednesday will come on Thursday instead. It's not a big thing."

A county council spokesman said the timing of the summer break depended on several factors, including other holiday dates, exams and the authority's legal duty to ensure the school year comprised 195 days.

She added: "The dates for the school year are always consulted upon, set, and published well in advance."