AN 11TH hour decision not to cancel Rusland Valley Horticultural Society annual show because of the inclement weather paid dividends with glorious sunshine replacing the heavy rain, reports Andrew Daniels.

The organisers met on Friday to discuss whether the show would go ahead but after looking at the weather forecast and using their local knowledge of how the field drained, they were delighted to have made the right decision.

Show secretary Jon Woddy said it would have been a tragedy to cancel the show: "This show is the number one priority for the local people and it's a very big social event.

"It's a real traditional village show in such an idyllic location and the people love to come back every year."

The show started with the popular five-mile fell race and when the mud-splattered competitors began approaching the finish line just over 30 minutes later, they were led by Cheshire's Colin Fray who was on his first visit to the show.

After recovering his breath, he said: "It's a great little show and a pretty hard race and very muddy. I just decided to come down because I was visiting friends in the Lakes."

Away from the action on the sports field, visitors could have a look at the many rural craft, horticultural and produce displays. As you walked through the tents, people looked in amazement at the vegetables grown by local farmers one person could be heard whispering how on earth would you eat all that' while standing by the leeks, which were at least two feet long.

As the temperature rose, so did the number of people coming through the gates. Relaxing on the far side of the arena was Michael Ardron from Blackpool, who has only missed one show in the last 60 years: "It's such a great day when you come here, it's in such a beautiful place and the people are really nice. We've always entered our children in the races when they were younger. I have to say there is not one particular thing I look forward to, I enjoy watching everything."

Back at the start/finish line, shouts of come on' could be heard from parents willing their children on in the junior races. Beau Smith, from Carnforth, who won the junior fell race and Frank Lomas Trophy, found it hard going with all the rain because he normally trains for track races. His mother, Wendy, was really proud and actually went to school with Frank Lomas's son.

As the athletes had a break, the Derbyshire Peaks falconry display team took to the ring with barn owls, falcons and eagles swooping over the showground while the noise of the hounds could be heard as they prepared for the hound trails.

At the end of a pleasant day, those relaxing in the shade of the refreshment tent were looking forward to the evening dance and as the crowds drifted away to the sound of traditional Lakeland music, it is hoped next year's show can be as successful as this one.