ORGANISERS of the Royal Lancashire Show are planning another bumper event this month -- despite operating in the shadow of foot-and-mouth for the second year running.

The county's most prestigious pageant, believed to be the oldest of its kind in the country, will be staged at Astley Park, Chorley, from July 26-28. But farm animals will be missing again.

Last year's show, which was threatened with cancellation as foot-and-mouth ravaged parts of the county, attracted 55,000 spectators -- only 4,000 down on the previous year.

Rennie Pinder, chairman of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society, who lives in Altham, said: "We have decided there will be no sheep or cattle again this year.

"Farmers have had a hell of a time and we wanted the effects to die down completely. Many are still re-stocking.

"I'm an agriculturist and I want to see the sheep, cattle and goats back, but we're giving it another year."

The three-day show, which dates back to 1767, will feature 17 different sections, from horticulture to shire horses and local produce.

Visitors will also be able to learn about countryside pursuits like hawk-flying and bee-keeping.

And the National Ladies' Show Jumping Championship -- one of the most prestigious in the country -- is set to return after a two-year break.

Mr Pinder said: "For years its reputation as a fascinating exhibition of rural life has meant the Royal Lancashire Show has attracted thousands of visitors. This year we hope more people than ever will benefit from taking part in the experience."