The Blackpool Championship Show after it was abandoned showing the catering tent flattened by the wind and the main ring in tatters. Some people were taken away by ambulance with scalding. The fire service is in attendance as a precaution.

The Chief Fire Officer praised the decision by Secretary Steve Hall to clear the showground of exhibitors and dogs for the safety and welfare of all concerned.

As the midnight hour approaches on Christmas Eve, a tremendous
Celebration begins. If you listen closely you will hear the exuberant sound
Of Bridge kids preparing for the remarkable moment that comes but once a Year.

Puppies romp through the tall green grass, chasing butterflies and
Rolling over and over until fits of giggles bring them to a tumbling stop.
The volume increases as kittens, cats, tigers and lions purr in pure delight
While the wings of snow-white doves gently caress the air. The babbling
Brook that runs beneath Rainbow Bridge overflows onto the edge of mossy
Banks and fins of treasured aquatic life quiver in anticipation of this
Most joyous event.

Nestled in the midst of this happy choir of Bridge kids are the littlest
Angel tots staring in awe at the majestic Christmas tree adorned with
Flowing strands of angel hair. Effervescent, twinkling stars seesaw
Elegantly from the sky and land in florious harmony upon the stoic limbs
Of Heaven's most perfect Christmas tree. Swaying to and fro in nearby
Rocking chairs are grandmothers, grandfathers, parents, aunts, uncles and
Loved ones. The sound of their whispered lullabies permeate the air as they
Sing to tiny angel babies resting quietly in their arms.

Like magic the clock approaches midnight and a great stirring is heard
In the distance. Each Bridge kid stops and listens, knowing the time is
Near,and they choose a fleecy cloud on which to snuggle. The roar of purrs
Drops to barely an audible hum, the babbling brook ripples hypnotically and
The flutter of downy feathered wings fall silent. Heaven's spirited toddlers
Climb expectantly upon the laps of angels while babies coo in tranquil
Unison.

Amidst the warm glow of candlelight, which rises from the earth below,
The arm S of the Bridge Keeper envelop the heavens and into the precious
Hands of each child and in front of each animal a holy gift is placed. With
Grand exuberance the ribbons are removed and left to fly on a tender breeze
Where they dissolve into showers of angel dust. As the golden lids of these
Heavenly gifts are raised, an amazing aura fills the sky, reaching down
To the very core of the earth. Ascending from each and every box is the
Greatest gift of all unending, unconditional, all-encompassing love.
This blessed love gently wraps itself around the cherished souls of heaven,
Warming their hearts with beacons of radiant light and bringing forth
From angels and exquisite chorus.

As the clock strikes midnight the distance between heaven and earth is
Vanished. It is at this very moment on Christmas Eve that the Bridge
Keeper, His children, angels and Bridge kids send a message to their earthly
Loved ones on the wings of this unbridled love.

Listening carefully with an open heart we will hear the familiar voice
Of our own angel whisper softly into our ear their Christmas message.."Let
Me share with you this love of mine, always and forever. When you need me
Know that I am here. I have not left you for I am in your heart where I
Belong. Our love is eternal, as is the brilliant glow of candlelight, which
Illuminates the path to the heavens and Rainbow Bridge. I wait patiently
As do you for our inevitable and glorious reunion. I love you, I love you,
I love you."

Author Unknown