Hereford'S forefathers have risen from the grave to stop a national event taking place within the city walls.

Plans to hold the British Cheese Awards or 'cheese Olympics' on the Castle Green had to be changed when organisers stumbled across Victorian regulations controlling its use.

The area's status as an 'ancient scheduled monument' means the ground cannot be pierced, making the erection of marquees and other infrastructure impractical.

Shelagh Callaghan from Hereford City Partnership said: "I don't know why this wasn't brought to anyone's attention earlier but the conditions just weren't known.

"It has been a stumbling block but we are now working positively with event organisers and Herefordshire Council to organise an alternative venue."

The September event, which should bring thousands of visitors and millions of pounds to the county, may now be held at Hereford's cattle market, a loss of aesthetic appeal but a gain in practicality.

Juliet Harbutt, of Culinary events Ltd and Cheese Awards chairman, said: "We want to keep the awards in Hereford.

"We did not choose the city lightly and we think it is a fantastic option.

"The city is a bit out on a limb, but it is firmly based on a rural economy and people should know more about it."

The problem faced by the cheese Olympics has highlighted a major drawback to exploiting Castle Green as a venue for promoting the city and holding events.

The area, a Saxon burial ground and one of the most important borders castles in its time, is listed by English Heritage under laws dating back to 1880.

Paul Stamper of English Heritage said: "We want to encourage people to visit, appreciate and understand the site but it needs to be protected and many of the artefacts including the Saxon burials are believed to be very close to the surface."