ORGANISERS of the Chorley-based Royal Lancashire Show are hoping this year's event will go ahead, despite the foot and mouth crisis.

Serious doubt was thrown upon the Lancashire show earlier this week when organisers of the Cheshire Agricultural Show cancelled their annual event in June because of the disease.

The Royal Lancashire Show, which used to be held at Witton Park, Blackburn and attracts entries from around East Lancashire, is due to be held at Astley Park, Chorley, from July 27 to 29.

Rennie Pinder, chairman of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society, said: "At the moment we feel it is too soon to be taking any decision with regards to the show, as it is some five weeks after Cheshire's was meant to take place.

"We are in contact with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foods and the National Farming Union on a regular basis and we will respond to advice."

Jack Wilson, leader of Chorley Borough Council, said: "If there is the slightest risk of adding to infection, then I will rely on the organisers to make the correct decision."

He said the council was under contract to make Astley Park available and could not legally prevent them from doing so.

He added: "I hope by July it will be business as usual, because if the show is cancelled, it will be a blow to the area and to the thousands who enjoy what is an excellent event and a showpiece for Chorley."

Dorothy Breeze, of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, said: "In a meeting on Monday we decided that without an end to the foot and mouth crisis in sight and bearing in mind an outbreak near our showground, near Knutsford, we couldn't plan to go ahead.

"At least Lancashire has an extra month before their show is due to take place."

The Lancashire show has been an institution in agricultural circles since 1765 and last year, more than 20,000 people attended on just one day. A final decision on the this year's show is expected after Easter.