Accrington's sixth annual Lark in the Park community showpiece was ruined by the rain.

Not one visitor was present when the event opened at midday on Saturday. In the past the Mercer Park event had seen crowds of up to 3,500.

By 2pm the event was cancelled for the first time in its history when organisers decided the bad weather was causing a health and safety risk.

Organisers had worked for months to build up a packed itinerary with music on the main stage from new Accrington bands and a dog show.

The event is staged by Friends of Mercer Park and charity Hyndburn Stray Dogs In Need, with the help of Arts Council funding.

Paula McMahon from the youth centre who helped organise the event said they were counting the financial cost of cancelling.