A JAMBOREE which could herald the rebirth of Bingley Children's Gala takes place on Saturday - thanks to the town's new Women's Institute.

The free event at Bradford and Bingley Rugby Club on Saturday afternoon is seen as a trial run for the possible return of the gala, said Dr Jag Picknett, who kickstarted the town's WI into existence only last September.

"Soon after we got started, we carried out a survey of local people to find out what they liked about Bingley and what changes they wanted," Dr Picknett said.

"One thing which stood out was that people really missed the old Children's Gala which ended quite a few years ago.

"And so over the last six months we've worked towards what should be a great, inclusive event on Saturday.

"One aim was to make it open to all the community - so it's free - and there will be a picnic area for people who want to bring their own food and refreshments."

The event has been supported with a grant from Shipley Area Committee and sponsorship from Bingley thermal clothing makers Damart.

"There will be rides for younger children, dance and fitness displays, the judging of an art competition and a chance to have a go at archery," Dr Picknett said.

"We've got the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, the police and the NSPCC bringing stalls along with volunteers from the Friends of St Ives and of Prince of Wales Park.

"Plus there will be lots of fun things like face-painting and being the WI, we will have a fantastic refreshment tent full of cakes, baking and drinks and the rugby club is doing a barbecue."

She started the group by setting up Facebook page and 80 people turned up to an initial meeting in September.

Dr Picknett said: "We now have some 100 fully paid up members and meet at the rugby club on the evening of every second Monday in the month.

"We do all the usual things, but it's also a campaigning community group on behalf of Bingley.

"Any monies made from the jamboree will go back into future funding for a Children's Gala, hopefully next year."

Howard Martin, chairman of Bingley Chamber of Trade praised, the WI for its initiative and energy.

"It's great whenever people get together and organise anything purely for the benefit of the town and it' people.

"All the hard work means they certainly deserve wonderful weather for it," he said.