CROWDS turned out in their thousands turning the clocks back for a nostalgic Yorkshire Wartime Experience at the weekend.

A special flying display by a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was among the highlights of the show held on fields off Hunsworth Lane, Cleckheaton and believed to be one of the biggest World War I and World War II events in the north of England - complete with tank battle re-enactments.

Organiser Stuart Wright said; "It couldn't have gone any better if we tried. This was the best show we've ever put on and it was our biggest crowd. Last year we got about 3,000 people turning up between both days, on Saturday alone we had about 8,000. It's a record."

Even though the flying display was half an hour later than expected on Saturday afternoon, it was greeted with roars of appreciation by the crowds.

Mr Wright added: "We'll forgive them - they were amazing!"

As well as the spectacular air display there were 400 military vehicles, 50 living history groups, static aircraft and home front displays and collectable and military trade stalls.

The sunny weather on Saturday also brought out bumper crowds at Shelf and Oakworth Galas and Wrose Carnival.

Organisers of a Jeepey Jamboree, now in its eighth year, at Parkwood Off Road Centre in Tong were delighted with their turnout raising funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The event has already given more than £8,000 to the cause from its previous shows and Mike Bonning organiser said: "We've had an excellent turnout. A charity auction for the Air Ambulance on Saturday night in itself raised in excess of £900."

The site has hundreds of acres of woodland trails and terrain for both novice and extreme off roaders to experience - including open tracks and water lagoons to experience.

Visitors were able to take part in a Show and Shine display of vehicles, which included WW2 jeeps. Other highlights include an American Independence Day celebrations trade stands and auto jumble as well as a tombola and charity auction.

Bradford funnyman and panto star Billy Pearce brought even more laughter and smiles to Wibsey Gala when he did the honours and officially declared the fun day open at St Winefride's School, St Paul's Road.

And yesterday Oxenhope Straw Race drew in 212 teams, an increase on previous years, racing round the village course from Oxenhope Station with appointed beer stops and hauling a bale of hay from the Bay Horse pub until the finishing line.

Organiser Jane Barrett said: "The good weather must bring everyone out - we've had 212 teams this year. It's our 40th year but only 39th event because it didn't take place in the foot and mouth year. We're gearing ourselves up for the big 40 next year."

Even before the race started, entry fees and donations were close to the £10,000 mark to go to Manorlands hospice and other local charities including Haworth Riding for the disabled.

"We hope to top last year's £13,000," said Mrs Barrett.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: yorkshire wartime experiance
The Spitfire display - picture by T&A reader Ron Willsher