The founding chairman of the Littleport Show said he was saddened to hear that the event is to fold after almost 40 years.

Ely Standard: 40 years of Littleport Show memorabilia. Albert Ware with autographed programs. Picture: Steve Williams.40 years of Littleport Show memorabilia. Albert Ware with autographed programs. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

But Albert Ware paid tribute to the people who supported the event during his time at the helm and said he hoped that it may one day return.

Mr Ware, 73, helped launch the show to great fanfare in 1976 and, with the help of Isle of Ely MP Clement Freud, attracted a host of star names over the years, including Kevin Keegan, Cilla Black and Alex Higgins.

Mr Ware stepped down as show chairman in 1984 but kept a keen eye on the event as it grew into one of the county’s largest shows.

Ely Standard: 40 years of Littleport Show memorabilia.Albert Ware with Alex Higgins. Picture: Steve Williams.40 years of Littleport Show memorabilia.Albert Ware with Alex Higgins. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

Now retired and living in Ely, Mr Ware has a treasured haul of memorabilia from the show years, including scores of programmes and photos.

He said: “It was very saddening to hear that the show was closing because one would have liked to see it carry on a big longer. But, having said that, it has done very well over the years and I have got great admiration for the people who have carried on with it as it had become more difficult to organise.

“I had a great many people around me in my time as chairman and it is thanks to them that it was such a joy to put on. It was wonderful to work with such an enthusiastic group of people, who gave up their time for the show.”

Mr Ware, who used to run a building business in Littleport, said his favourite memory of the show was the visit of Cilla Black, but added that he had good memories of Kevin Keegan playing six-a-side football and Alex Higgins “getting involved with everything”.