IT'S no exaggeration to say the Royal Lancashire Show has had a troubled time in recent years.

Two years ago people across East Lancashire welcomed the event's move from Astley Park, Chorley to Salesbury Hall, Ribchester.

It marked a return to the area for the first time since the 1980s when it enjoyed a six-year run in Blackburn.

But the first year at Ribchester ended abruptly when the third day was cancelled after torrential rain and traffic chaos in the narrow lanes around it.

Last year's show was declared a success but financial problems threatened to bring an undignified end to an annual tradition which has continued since 1893 interrupted only by the two world wars.

Next week's show will enlist help from an army of 150 volunteers to keep costs to a minimum and try to ensure financial health.

And organisers announced yesterday that next year's show will be held over a weekend to potentially give it a much larger audience.

The show's traditional farming base has suffered badly in recent years and the growth of other attractions like showjumping and craft and trade stands mean many of those who would like to visit just cannot get along on a normal working day.

The weekend move should give a welcome new lease of life to a treasured institution.