Leaders of the National Federation for Young Farmers' Clubs have pulled the plug on bringing their annual seaside bash back to Blackpool next year – opting instead for the Devon resort of Torbay.

The decision came after young farmers' fun was cut short in the resort last Saturday when police and licensing officers closed bars in the Winter Gardens early amid fears of drunken behaviour getting out of hand.

Until that point around 5,000 young farmers had enjoyed a host of events at the venue as part of the federation's AGM.

The event is worth an estimated £2m to the resort.

James Eckley, chief executive of the federation, said: "The residents and businesses of Blackpool made us very welcome as always.

"Blackpool was on the cards for next year's annual convention. However, the policing on Saturday night affected our decision for 2010."

The bars were scheduled to stay open until 2am, but officers asked management to close them between 11.30pm and 12.30am over concerns of underage teenagers drinking and "potential for disorder caused from drunkenness".

Insp Keith Ogle, from Blackpool Police's licensing team, defended his officers' actions.

He said: "We were happy the venue itself and the entertainment remained open until 2am, but wanted to prevent further alcohol being sold on the premises.

"Officers attended the venue and felt this was the appropriate decision due to the potential for disorder caused from drunkenness and concerns about underage teenagers drinking alcohol."

Bosses at Leisure Parcs, which owns the Winter Gardens, said the Young Farmers' Conference was "one of the most well organised events the venue hosts".

A spokesman said: "The event is always a boisterous one and the Young Farmers are a lively bunch.

"The three-day event took place without any issues and it is therefore disappointing the Saturday evening schedule was cut short. As an operator we must comply with the wishes of the licensing enforcement officers."

Entertainment arranged for the farmers on Saturday night included a fancy dress party, pub quiz and ballroom dancing competition.

Ross Marshall, a 20-year-old farmer from County Durham, said: "We saw the police walking in. All the shutters went down at the bars.

"Over 18s have a different coloured wristband so there would be no confusion with under-age drinkers. No-one is happy when bars are shut early but there wasn't any conflict.

"It was a shame. I was there last year too and we had a good time. It seems they were overzealous."

For the full story, pick up a copy of Friday's Gazette.