LIVESTOCK will this year be allowed at the Royal Lancashire Show for the first time since the foot and mouth epidemic of 2001.

The premier three-day agricultural event is moving to the Ribble Valley, and its new president is Rodney Swarbrick, 64, a former High Sheriff of Lancashire who lives in Longridge.

Show organisers intend to hold the premier three-day agricultural event at Salesbury Hall Farm, Ribchester, for at least the next three years.

It was switched from Astley Park, Chorley, because the show needed more space, and the 120-acre Ribchester site was considered perfect.

The new president studied at the Lancashire College of Agriculture and the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.

He has managed family farms in the Longridge area and was High Sheriff of Lancashire in 2000, as well as a countryside commissioner and president of the Country Landowners' Association.

Mr Swarbrick said he was delighted to become president of an event that was "an important celebration of countryside and rural life." This was an exciting year for the show, he said. Show organisers are already gearing up for a spectacular event in July, with extra space for exhibitors, entertainment and competitive classes.

The show will feature displays of hawk-flying, fishing and rural crafts, as well as over 700 competitive classes, from equestrian sports to stick-carving.

Rennie Pinder, chairman of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society, which organises the event, said: "We are very pleased that Rodney Swarbrick has agreed to be president, as his commitment to agriculture and interest in rural activities is widely acknowledged.

"The show goes from strength to strength and we hope lots of people will take the opportunity to visit the show at its new home in July."

The show dates back to 1767, when it was held at St Ann's Square, Manchester. Since then, it has been held in a various places, including Witton Park, Blackburn.