ONE of Hampshire's biggest summer shows could be axed after this year's wash-out, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Organisers of the Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show have said the event's future is in doubt after torrential rain turned the huge showground into a mud bath.

Volunteers were forced to cancel the final day of the event, which is expected to make a large loss.

The attraction has recorded a deficit in each of the past three years and show secretary Tony Greenham said its survival was now "uncertain".

He confirmed that organisers would meet this week to decide if the three-day show, which raises thousands of pounds for local charities, should take place next year.

Mr Greenham added: "I think it will, although we're not sure. Obviously there's a financial problem arising from what happened this year but we don't know how big that problem is."

The showground was hit by torrential overnight rain last Thursday and Friday. After another downpour on Saturday, organisers were forced to admit defeat and cancel the show for the first time in its 37-year-history.

Vehicles were still being towed out of the mud yesterday morning - more than 24 hours after the event ended.

Mr Greenham, who spent all day at the site supervising the huge clear-up operation, said: "After all the hard work that went into the show it's absolutely soul destroying."

Exhibitors who took part included Mark Alexander, of Totton. In a message posted on the Daily Echo's website he said: "It was such a shame and my heart goes out to the organisers as they had tried to revamp the show this year."