Organisers are confident this year's event will run smoothly

The three-day show, held at Salesbury near Ribchester, is expected to attract more than 50,000 people.

It was cancelled in 2003 after heavy rain meant the ground - near the River Ribble - became waterlogged.

But event chairman Rennie Pinder said he was confident there would not be a repeat of the problems.

"We had this major problem last year but hopefully everything will sort itself out this year," he said.

Sea of mud

This year, organisers have laid aluminium vehicle tracking worth around �12,000, and new routes into the showground have been forged.

Horseboxes have also been separated from the visitors' traffic.

Mr Pinder said the event is a real showcase for the Lancashire farming community.

"We want this show to be successful, and we want the villagers of Ribchester, Dinkley and everywhere else to come and enjoy this show," he added.