AGRICULTURAL suppliers are returning to the Royal Lancashire Show in their droves, jubilant show organisers today announced.

The show's new setting in the Ribble Valley and the decision to revert to mid-week show dates, the time when agricultural shows are traditionally held, are behind the upturn.

The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society, which organises the show, has taken a considerable number of bookings for trade stands at the July event from agricultural suppliers and service providers, such as tractor manufacturers, cattle handling equipment specialists, farm building companies, land agents, valuers and auctioneers.

The show, from Tuesday, July 29, to Thursday, July 31, has moved to a new, bigger showground in 120 acres of farmland at Salesbury Hall Farm off the A59 near Ribchester after 15 years at Astley Park, Chorley.

More than 400 businesses and organisations exhibited at last year's show, including food producers, car dealerships, property specialists, garden furniture manufacturers and local authorities.

The new showground is expected to accommodate even more exhibitors, with additional space for large-scale displays. The return of livestock following the 2001 foot and mouth epidemic, when competitive classes for cloven-hoofed animals were temporarily suspended, is also believed to be contributing to the increase.

Rennie Pinder, chairman of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society, said 2003 was an important milestone in the show's history. He said: "I am delighted to report that agricultural trade exhibitors are returning to the show in greater numbers. This was exactly the response we were hoping for, given the major changes we introduced."