IT WAS V for Victory in Haworth over the weekend, as the village celebrated the 20th anniversary of its ever-popular 1940s extravaganza.

The theme was chosen to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day, and thousands descended on Bronte country to soak up the wartime atmosphere.

Highlights of the three-day event, which was sponsored by local company The Green Deal Factory Ltd, included a flypast by a Dakota ZA947 aircraft, vintage vehicle parades, a NAAFI Café offering wartime meals, a Station X exhibition featuring a replica of an Enigma machine, and various live entertainment performances.

This year's event received the blessing of Second World War Forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn, and was again raising money for the Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA), which is itself marking its 130th anniversary.

Stephen King, fundraiser for SSAFA, said: "It has been an absolutely fantastic weekend.

"It's the 20th anniversary of the event, and 70 years since VE Day, and I think a lot of people have been celebrating that, it's really made a difference to the atmosphere.

"There have been lots of highlights, but the drill competition featuring the army and air cadets was particularly well-received.

"Everyone has just been so friendly, and we've been thrilled with the response from the public."

Crowds also gathered in Bradford's City Park on Saturday to celebrate 150 years of the classic children's tale 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', by Lewis Carroll.

After a showing of the 1951 animated Disney film on the big screen, two of the story's main characters - The King of Hearts and the White Rabbit - led a parade of children and families across the Mirror Pool to a specially-organised Mad Hatter's Tea Party, all part of the Bradford Literature Festival.

The sun shone as the novel's other main characters, including the Mad Hatter, Alice, and the Queen and the Knave of Hearts, all sat down for tea amid a host of songs and fun-filled games based on the well-loved story.

Families also enjoyed street theatre performers acting out scenes from a range of other classic stories and fairytales, including Sleeping Beauty and Frankenstein.

Blustery conditions didn't seem to affect visitor numbers at the 206th Otley Show, with the Bridge End Showground heaving with people by Saturday lunchtime.

Robin Hood and King John made dramatic appearances as part of The Stampede Stunt Company's special Magna Carta anniversary show, and Otley Sailing Club used the wind to good effect to take trips of people out onto the showground lake.

Visitors also enjoyed traditional displays of shire horses, sheep, cattle, and poultry, and show secretary, Janet Raw, said: "It's been windy but busy, and we're very happy with the turnout."