A HEAVY shower scattered thousands of visitors at Burnley Agricultural Society Show and brought an early end to the day for many.

But the downpour arrived too late to mar its overall success and the forecast is good for the event to survive for another year.

Organisers had warned that a poor weather day would deliver a financial death blow to the Towneley Park attraction which costs more than £16,000 to stage.

Their fingers were crossed and their prayers answered as bright sunshine warmed the showground.

Thousands of supporters flocked in and entries in most sections were higher than ever. So the event looks set to at least break even.

"We were worried because of the uncertain forecast, but happily everything worked out well," said secretary David Hayhurst, who appealed for more help in future.

"A tremendous amount of work goes into getting the show off the ground and we are grateful for all the support we can get." He added: "I would particularly like to thank the people of the Burnley area for coming in such large numbers to make it a really good day out."

One of the main features was a falconry display - but it came late in the day as most people were heading home to escape the shower.

There was keen interest, too, in the demonstrations by the Clitheroe and Pendle dog display team and the army sky slide.

Tops in the cattle sections was Steve Riley of Crawshawbooth with two firsts and a second. George Emmott of Burnley took top awards in the the Shire horses classes.

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