A SPLASH of high fashion added a sparkle to the first fun-packed day of the Royal Lancs Show.

Ladies' Day, featuring best-dressed lady and girl competitions, fashion shows and make-overs, was the highlight of the day which attracted thousands of people from as far away as Scotland.

Chairman of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society Mr Tom Alty said: "This show has greater diversity than ever before."

Stunning models in kaleidoscopic designer gear from Sunday Best, Rawtenstall strutted their stuff on the catwalk underneath giant chandeliers in the Ladies' Marquee and a fast-moving Citroen in Fashion Show was hosted by Clothes Show presenter Jeff Banks. Jeff said: "The show is a real crowd puller and we have fashions from the best designers in the country." A group of farmers' wives let things 'go to their head' as they modelled a range of eye-catching headgear from Get Ahead Hats run by Sarah Rhodes from Great Harwood. Sarah said: "My models show that normal people, not just celebrities, look great in hats!"

The rain clouds stayed away for the start of the three- day event at Astley Park, Chorley, which featured the cream of the county's horticultural, agricultural and crafts and a whole host of side attractions, from vintage farm machinery to a food marquee.

Sheep and pig sections enjoyed a record number of entries this year. Joe Noblett, of Hoghton Lane, Hoghton, scooped first prize in the female goat saanan section with his goat Beeston Charity.

A senior cow in milk owned by Arthur Garnett, of Stanley House Farm, Mellor, was reserve champion in the Ayrshire section. Main ring attractions included hawk flying displays, a performance by clowns and sheepdog trials.

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