A MASSIVE country fair -- which was expected to attract thousands of people to East Lancashire this weekend -- has been cancelled because of bad weather.

Organisers of The Chipping Steam Fair, which normally attracts up to 8,000 people to the region over the May Bank Holiday weekend, cancelled the event after heavy rainfall left the showground waterlogged.

It is the second time that the fair, which is now in its sixth year, has had to be cancelled.

In 2001, the show also had to be axed following fears over the foot-and-mouth disease crisis

The annual event, held on the showground between Clitheroe and Longridge, features exhibitions of classic cars, steam engines, working exhibits, a fairground and stalls.

People travel from all over the country to attend.

It was originally organised to raise funds for the village, and contributed towards the building of the new village hall.

Proceeds from this year's show would have gone to local charities.

Show secretary Mary Harrison said: "The marquees had already been erected, but now they will have to come down because the showground is absolutely waterlogged.

"Initially the committee thought it would be possible to go ahead with the show, without the heavy military vehicles, but when we looked at the situation we realised it was a real non-starter.

"Obviously we are all very disappointed.

"A lot of people have been working all year round to organise this event, but there is nothing we can do about it.

"It is out of our control."