A VILLAGE event set up to raise cash for a new community hall and play ground will keep on helping the village to improve, organisers have promised.

Chipping Steam Fair was originally set up to raise cash for a new village hall and a childrens' multi-purpose games area.

But the village hall was completed five years ago while the games area, which cost £215,000, was officially opened earlier this month.

Now money raised from this year's steam fair will go towards new projects in the village.

Mary Harrison, event organiser, said: "The whole idea is to bring the community of Chipping together.

"Money raised from the steam fair will be used in projects designed to keep people here.

"In the last 20 years we've lost several shops and the bank, so we need things like this to remind people that there is a strong community here."

The popular county fair is expected to attract thousands of people to the Ribble Valley over the spring bank holiday.

Organisers hope this month's show, now in its eighth year, will attract around 10,000 people to the village over the three days.

The fair, held on the Green Lane showground next to the Gibbon Bridge Hotel, will feature its usual mix of exhibitions of classic cars, steam engines, working exhibits, a fairground and stalls.

This year's show will also feature Rolls-Royce engines from classic Second World War aircraft such as the Lancaster bomber, Beaufighter and Shackleton.

A variety of steam traction engines, classic cars, steam rollers and military vehicles will be among the star attractions during the fair.

A dog agility team, karate team, jazz bands, Irish dancers and arts and crafts will also be on display.

Held over three days from Saturday, May 27, to Monday, May 29, the show is open from 10am to 5pm every day.

There is a free car park on site, free evening entertainment and a bus service from Chipping, which is a mile from the showground.

Admission is £5 for adults and £4 for children and OAPs. Under 12s go free and more details are available by phoning 01995 61866 or 61505.