Kent County Council has pulled out of exhibiting at this summer's Kent County Show, citing cost as a reason.

The authority usually fields a large display, but will not appear this year.

It comes after we reported how the council had no qualms about spending £4.5million on consultants to tell it how to save money - and on forking out £2,080 on a new logo.

The cost of the council's large stand last year for Explore Kent, part of its leisure division, was £10,000. The show's 2013 brochure reveals a basic trade stand starts from £570 plus VAT.

A Kent County Council spokesman said: "We have taken the decision not to take a stand at the county show this year. In these tough financial times we need to make sure that our expenditure gives the best value for money for the council so we have looked carefully at where we can make savings.

"This has been a difficult decision and is based on a review of our presence at public events during the coming year. We wish the Agricultural Society every success with the show."

County show manager Lucy Hegarty said KCC's decision was disappointing.

"We'd like them here, of course we would. We are quite sad that they are unable to support their local show. But we do hope that in the future they are able to come back."

She said contingency plans were already in place to ensure wet weather would not lead to a re-run of last year, when the ground had to be closed to traffic as the car parks turned to quagmires.

The show lost £300,000 and 17,000 visitors compared to 2011.

"We are working quite closely with a new car parking firm on the best way of parking cars and we have temporary track ways already on hire," she added.

"If we prepare for the worst then I'm sure the sun will shine and we won't need any of it."