THE future of Burnley Agricultural Show is set to be decided in the next couple of weeks after crowds turned out to show their support for one of the town's biggest events of the year.

Organisers wanted sun and support at yesterday's event to ensure the show had a chance of continuing after questions were asked about its future.

The sun hardly made it but at least it did not rain, and numbers were up on last year as the people of Burnley came out to enjoy a great day out.

Joint show secretaries David and Pat Hayhurst are stepping down this year after 21 years involvement in the event. The future of the show, which dates back more than 75 years, has been in the balance in recent years.

"No-one's come forward to take over yet," said David. "We won't know what's going to happen next year until we have a meeting in a week or two's time to decide."

On a positive note he praised the way people rallied round to support the event.

"We were very lucky with the weather and it didn't rain which is the main thing. Entries to the horses, cattle and goats were up and we had more people through the gates.

"I'd like to thank the people of Burnley and the surrounding areas for coming to support us and for their support over the years.

"We can pay the bills for the show but whether there will be anything else we don't know yet."

A host of attractions drew in people in their thousands to enjoy a real family fun day out. A packed programme of activities was on offer from morning to tea-time with horse and dog shows being the main stay of the day. Horse power of a different sort, quad bikes, put on a racing display in the main showground as well as horse and carriage racing and dog agility events.

All kinds of animals from household pets to heavy horses were on display and once again the children's pets section proved popular.

All the fun of the fair was on offer at the fairground and there was the usual mixture of stalls and games to keep visitors of all ages amused for hours.

BEST BABY: Clare Wells, Barrowford (5 months). Best opposite sex: Thomas Rishton, Barrow, near Clitheroe (7 months).

CHILDREN'S PETS: Best cavey, S Crossley, Burnley. Best rabbit, J Marshall, Ramsbottom. Most unusual, R Higgins, Nelson.

SHEEP: Lonks, T Whitwell & Sons, Clitheroe; Derby Gritston, S Bell, Crawshawbooth; Continental, J Worthington, Ramsbottom; Any other breed, M & B Scott, Colne; Best group, A Wood, Whitworth; best in show, S Bell.

HORSE DRIVING CLASSES: Cleanest horse in harness: 2, B Blackburn, Burnley. Cart: 2, B Blackburn. Tradesman turnout: 2, B Blackburn.

SHIRE HORSES: Yearling: 2, J Mitson, Colne. Colt, filly or gelding: 2, J McCormick, Clitheroe. Barren mare: 2, J Mitson. Best pair: 2, J Mitson. Riding: 1, S Barrows, Burnley.