THE weather was the only winner on Sunday as rain forced council chiefs to cancel the final day of Chorley Flower Show.

It was set in the grounds of Astley Park and lots of green-fingered enthusiasts turned up in their droves on Saturday to enjoy the event.

The annual show, now in its fourth year, has a great reputation and is now a firm favourite on the horticultural map.

But driving rain and blustery winds forced the event to be cancelled on the final day.

Council chiefs say they did everything they could to get the event on but concerns over health and safety of visitors saw it called off.

Cllr Alistair Bradley, leader of Chorley Council, said: “Thousands of people enjoyed a great day at the show on Saturday and it was a real shame we had to cancel the event on Sunday.

“We did all we could to get the show on but the strong winds and heavy rain meant we took the decision to cancel the show for the safety of visitors and people taking part in the show - something which traders and exhibitors were in agreement with.

“On the Saturday we had people visiting Chorley from right across the North West and beyond with many people commenting upon how impressed they were with the show and what we have to offer here in our borough.

“It was great to see so much support for the show and we unveiled the new garden of reflection, which is a new permanent garden and performance area in Astley Park.”

Meanwhile, the council is working on the costs of cancelling the final day.

Cllr Bradley added: “As you’d expect with an event of this nature we have insurance in place to cover the cost of having to cancel the event due to adverse weather conditions.

“We’re just working through the detail of that so we won’t know the exact cost until that is all sorted.”

The council is offering refunds to anyone who bought tickets for Sunday.

Details of refunds will be released by the council.