Hosted by Chorley millionaire Trevor Hemmings, the event was organised by the Friends of the Show which this year moves to a new venue at South Planks Farm in Barton, near Preston.

The show, which was held successfully in Chorley's Astley Park for many years, has had a difficult last few years at Ribchester when it suffered from severe traffic congestion and flooding.

But organisers are confident that its new venue will be a resounding success.

The dinner, at Farington Lodge, was sp onsored by Mr Hemmings' Chorley-based Northern Trust Company and businesses and individuals from around the county attended.

As well as the dinner raising £55,000, Lancashire Economic Partnership donated £30,000, Leyland entrepreneur Martin Ainscough donated £20,000 and Northern Trust Company donated £55,000, giving a total of more than £160,000 raised to support the show.

A spokesman for Northern Trust Company said: "We and our subsidiaries are proud to be sponsoring the Royal Lancashire Show this year. As one of the oldest county shows in the UK, we feel it is important to encourage people to come and see the crafts and skills that go into maintaining the rural landscape and country life. Based in a new location this year, we are hopeful with the support of ourselves and others the show will go from strength to strength."

Show chairman Gordon Roberts said: "This year's location for the Show at South Planks Farm is ideal and the support of our sponsors will ensure that we have both the funds and resources to ensure its success."

The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show will take place from July 18 to 20, for more details visit the website www.rlas.co.uk