PRAYERS were answered. The skies stayed blue. And organisers went home exhausted but delighted after another successful Barrowford Show.

All the months of hard work and organisation paid off as the crowds came out in their thousands to give the village a carnival atmosphere.

The youngsters, specially catered for this year, stole the show when it came to providing unusual attractions.

Cristian Collis, whose parents run the General Gordon pub in Nelson, won the best children's pet award with his four-foot boa constrictor.

A safe distance away, six-year-old Andrew Perkins, of Rossendale, was among the prizes in the adult Chincilla class

Show chairman Tony Dixon said: "We are absolutely delighted. If we can't make a profit on a day like this, we never will."

The show needed a good day to boost its coffers and ensure it would continue to be a major attraction in years to come.

And a good day it got. There was something for everyone on Barrowford Park and Bullholme Playing Fields, with attractions ranging from the One Man and his Pig novelty act to competitions for sheep, cattle, dogs and horses. The show also included trade stands, demonstrations, charity stalls, fly fishing, a bonny baby show and a chance for brave young fighters to join the Ranger Force against Lord Dread.

"This year we tried to arrange more events for the youngsters, " said Tony. "We've had them say in the past that there's nothing at the show for them. So this time we deliberately put on attractions geared towards the young.

"The weather was excellent. It's always a bit of a gamble at the end of August but it certainly brought out the crowds."

There were games and bouncy castles, an adventure course and fairground rides, as well as mini-motorbikes and a museum of unusual items.

A fell race for adults from the showground to Blacko Tower and back was part of the Pendle Grand Prix of races. Juniors took part in a similar event to the Water Meetings and back.

Organisers are still counting the receipts but predicting a good year.

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