A CHANGE of date proved to have people-pulling power as Barrowford Show put on its Sunday best.

Organisers were confident this year's show, held yesterday rather than its traditional slot of the last Saturday in the month, would beat the 7,000 attendance of 1999's event.

The sun shined on organisers and rain elsewhere in East Lancashire failed to fall on Barrowford Park and neighbouring Bull Holme playing fields.

The only black cloud was access problem along the narrow track connecting the two fields, which was blocked for a while by a jammed car and trailer as crowds tried to edge their way around.

Show president Tony Dixon said: "The highlight has been the number of people that have come in. We won't know until we see the gate receipts but I'm hoping we will be up on last year.

"It seems changing from a Saturday to a Sunday has paid off."

Organisers are hoping the date can be repeated in future years. Part of the reason for the switch was to avoid the show clashing with the annual Great British Rhythm & Blues festival in Colne over the Bank Holiday weekend.

A traditional Punch and Judy show appealed to the tastes of a modern audience and drew a big and enthusiastic crowd. Other attractions included the usual array of animal sections, from unusual pets to heavy horses, rabbits, dogs, sheep and cattle.

Horse-power of a different sort was on display in the vintage vehicles section and there was a miniature fairground, displays of dog handling skills by Burnley Dog Rescue, cheerleaders from Sanderson Dance Centre, Brierfield, a visit by past show presidents, a bonny baby competition, Western trail rider Scherie Dermody and Ben Lester, alias Circus Minimus.

Picture: Steve Dewhurst, of Nelson, arriving with a barrow of flowers after walking to the show from his Nelson home.