THE Barrowford Show defied the wet weather to continue on its comeback trail.

Yesterday saw the 82nd staging of the event on the Bull Holme playing fields and it proved as popular as ever with visitors.

Every man and his dog turned up for the wide range of attractions, old and new, as chairman Natalie Cox declared: "The event is back."

As well as the usual competitive classes for dogs, horses, horticulture and vintage cars, new displays included Shetland pony classes and a transport section.

Ms Cox, the first female chairman of the show, said people particularly enjoyed the stuntman and the tug-o-war which returned for a second year.

The event was revived last year by organisers after a two-year break during worries over foot and mouth.

She said: "You can plan for everything except the weather really but despite the rain everything has gone as well as we wanted.

"People have come in their thousands and have enjoyed themselves.

"Last year there was a record turnout. We don't know how many people have come this year but the show is definitely back."

However, the most popular event was not even planned.

Crowds gathered to watch an amphibious army vehicle attempt to rescue a fire service Land Rover pumping water out of a river as part of a display.

But it was the army vehicle itself that got stuck.

Both had to wait at least 30 minutes before a tractor could tow them up the bank to huge cheers from the watching crowds.

Lynne Stansfield, 37, and Ivy Peacock, 66, both from Manchester, have been regular visitors to the show.

And after learning it had returned decided to take a look - and found it was just as impressive.

Lynne said: "We have always enjoyed it in the past so we thought we would come back.

"And from what we have seen there seems a lot going on."

Ivy added: "It's always enjoyable and there is a lot going for all the family."

Robert Savage, who lives in Regent Street, Nelson, has being coming to the show for more than 50 years.

The 84-year-old said: "It is definitely a good show. It is had a break and it is now coming back.

"If it had not been for the weather, it would have compared with the great shows of the past."

With the show barely over, Ms Cox is already making plans for next year's spectacle. She added: "I am pleased with how everything has gone and that people came.

"I would like to thank the committee for all its support and we will sit down and see how today has gone and start planning for next year."