FAIRGROUND fever arrived in Blackburn with the return of the annual Easter fair at Witton Country Park.

And organisers hope the sunshine will continue over the next few days to help return the fair to its former glory following last year's washout.

The park is currently packed with all the traditional stalls and amusements, such as the ghost train, waltzer, dodgems and the popular hook a duck. And there's a selection of white-knuckle style rides for the more adventurous visitor.

For the younger ones there there's a mini wheel, flying chairs and plenty of musical roundabouts.

The fair, which runs until Tuesday, has been held in the town since 1750, when it was originally held in the old market square.

It moved from the town centre in 1964 to make way for Blackburn's shopping centre and has been held at various other venues, including at Ewood and in Duke Street, before moving to Witton Country Park some years ago.

The biggest ever first day turn out was recorded in 1952 when 150,000 turned out to enjoy the fun.