FOR well over 200 years, the Royal Lancashire Show flourished to become a regular feature of the region’s year.

It typically attracted 20,000 visitors for each of its three days.

But in the 21st century, things changed dramatically for the worse.

First the scourge of foot and mouth disease hit the farming community hard, show venues moved around the country and then there was rain, rain and more rain.

In 2007, the event had to be abandoned because of atrocious conditions and the following year saw more awful weather.

In 2009, site access problems again brought things to a halt and for the past two years there has been no show at all.

Now a dedicated team is bringing back the show for 2012 at its formerly successful site in Blackburn’s Witton Park.

The new Royal Lancs will only be a one-day affair with less input from the agricultural sector.

But hopefully the revival will spark a change of fortune for a showcase which is a traditional part of Lancashire life.

Let’s hope the weather is kind and our show is able to get back on to a sound financial footing.