ROYAL Lancashire Show bosses have decided to go ahead with the prestigious event despite the earlier threat of cancellation due to the foot and mouth crisis.

In a meeting at Chorley's Hartwood Hotel members of The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society decided that despite the crisis changing from day to day, the number of outbreaks appears to be declining steadily.

This means the show can go ahead, albeit without animals with cloven feet.

Speculation has been rife over the last two months as to whether the show -- scheduled to take place in Astley Park in July -- would have to be cancelled.

The Royal Cheshire Agricultural Show has already been called off because of foot and mouth and Peter Ainsworth, Shadow Secretary for tourism, visited Chorley in April to talk to farmers about the future of the show, which attracts 62,000 people each year.

Rennie Pinder, chairman of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society, said: "The loss of cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, for this year, is of regret to the society."

But the news that the show will go on was welcomed by groups which are not affected by foot and mouth and the society said it is mindful of its responsibilities to them, the trade exhibitors and the general public who, year in year out, support the show. Although preparations are still under way, this year's show will expand on the usual events.

There will be more light horses and a donkey class, as well as the staple horticulture marquee, cheese marquee and rural craft marque.

A number of main ring entertainments have also been arranged, for example, man versus machine, a shire musical drive countryside area, and Lancashire Vintage Car Club will bring along a selection of vehicles. Despite the loss of certain sections, Mr Pinder said: "We are looking to keep the attendance figures up -- we are the organisers and if we have to put on a show then that is exactly what we'll do. We are very happy for the farmers and for the public."

At the time of going to press, the full programme of events was still being prepared by the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society.

Pictured is a scene from last year's show.