The show could not be staged for two years successively because its home at Centre Vale Park was undergoing flood-alleviation work.

There was no suitable alternative so the show was mothballed from 2005.

Even then there were worries the return of the show would be badly marred by restrictions on livestock movement imposed in Lancashire because of the dreaded blue tongue disease.

But at the weekend, it was just like the show had never been away – despite a spot of rain.

Entries were slighty down and one sheep category had to be cancelled because of a lack of animals.

But farmers bringing prime stock from as far away as North Yorkshire and Doncaster largely helped to compensate for absent Lancastrians.

And a healthy crowd of 10,000 turned out to savour the spectacle.

Young farmers fought tugs-o'-war and held bale-rolling races, ale was supped, hawks were flown, and sheep both shown and shorn.

Some 200 entries in the fur and feather sections ensured there was no shortage of rabbits, budgies or hamsters for children to pet.

In short, it was everything an agricultural show should be.

And very welcome back it is, too.