THE future of one of the most historic shows in Pendle's calendar has been secured.

Barrowford Show will go ahead for the next three years after Barnfield Construction and Howard Rigg Properties agreed to put up a total of £5,000 a year until 2008.

The news comes as the event's committee puts the finishing touches to this Sunday's show - now in its 84th year - in Barrowford Park and Bull Holme playing fields.

As well as traditional attractions such as classes for dogs, rabbits and horses and the tug-of-war, this year there will also be children's races for the first time.

Committee member Natalie Cox said: "For the past 12 months a dedicated team of volunteers has worked tirelessly to pull together this village tradition.They are grateful to Barnfield Construction and Howard Rigg Properties who came to the financial rescue of the show, pledging a total of £5,000 each year for the next three years to secure the future of what is a village institution."

The show was facing financial ruin after the foot and mouth crisis in 2001 and 2004's wet weather left organisers last year facing a £5,000 shortfall.

The two firms stepped in to help out last year and have now agreed to continue to help fund the show.

Gates open at 9am on Sunday and this year the Friends of Pendle Heritage Centre will be hosting a marquee on the putting green to drum up support for Higherford Mill's bid to win the Restoration Village TV competition.

Renowned dahlia grower David Clamp will be giving tips on growing flowers and presenter of CBeebies' Smarteenies programme Bizi Lizi will be presenting prizes to children.

Other attractions will include military vehicles, stock cars, trade and charity stands, the traditional duck race, cheerleaders and a climbing wall.

Admission is £4.50 for adults, £3.50 foe senior citizens and £1.50 for children. Under threes are free.