FOR the sappers of the Territorials' 202 Field Squadron, based at Padiham, it was an ideal chance to exercise their bridge-building skills on a hot summer's day.

But their hard work proved a boon, too, to visitors to the Royal Lancashire Show in 1951 when it was staged at Blackburn's Witton Park.

The 70ft metal Bailey bridge, with which the part-time soldiers spanned the River Darwen, provided the crowds who flocked to the popular agricultural event with an extra access to the showground.

The structure was dismantled afterwards.