The sight of small, furry creatures running through the streets of a picturesque village would usually have people scrambling to contact the environmental health department.

But there was no need for panic in Haworth, where cheering bystanders enjoyed a flutter on the ferret races taking place up and down the cobbled Main Street.

The races, which would have delighted Yorkshire sitcom character Compo, formed the central plank of the village’s Yorkshire Day celebrations.

Business bosses flew the White Rose flag proudly from their shops and dressed in old-style Yorkshire clothing, while the streets reverberated to the sound of traditional local music.

The event, organised by Haworth Traders Association, attracted a large number of proud Yorkshire folk, and plenty of welcome guests, on both Saturday and Sunday.

Jean Ingham, of Sid’s Ferret Welfare, in Wibsey, said: “We are racing the ferrets and people can have a flutter for 50p and double their money if their ferret wins.

“It’s a Yorkshire tradition and a chance for people to take part and have a bit of fun. Unlike Compo, we haven’t got any ferrets down our trousers. The money we make on the races goes towards vet bills.”

Dennis Dibb, 78, from Idle, had travelled to Haworth with his pipe organ to provide musical entertainment for people walking up Main Street.

He said: “Yorkshire Day is a brilliant idea and I hope this event is a great success.”

John and Denise Westwood, from the Eyres & Graces shop, in Haworth Main Street, had donned traditional Yorkshire dress for the occasion.

Mr Westwood said: “I have got the flat cap and grandad shirt and we are wearing the white rose. It’s all trying to reflect the Yorkshire theme.”

Rita Bickerton, aged 80, who has lived in Haworth since her childhood, said: “It’s all right if it brings people into the village.”

Mike Roberts, who spent 20 years working for Texas Police before moving to Haworth, where he helps to run the Rose & Co Apothecary shop, said: “Yorkshire Day is an opportunity for people to be reminded of the great place they live in, and for those who don’t live in the area to come and see what the place is all about.”

Lower down the Main Street, visitors were able to enjoy the sounds of Joe Carr and his piano accordion.

Mr Carr, 85, from Thornton Road, Bradford, said: “I think Yorkshire Day is a good idea and, when Haworth is busy, it’s a lovely place.”

Then yesterday, football fans were treated to some familiar faces from the past during Thackley’s festival of football.

The main event was a match between their championship-winning under-19s side and a Bradford City Legends team, featuring old favourites such as Stuart McCall, Wayne Jacobs, Jamie Lawrence and Terry Dolan.

McCall, manager of Bradford City, said: “It’s a good turn out and a nice day for it, so hopefully it will raise a few pounds.”

Event organiser John McCreery, treasurer for Thackley, said about 600 people had turned up to watch the match and added that he hoped the event would raise about £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Wayne Jacobs, assistant manager of Bradford City, said: “From our club’s point of view, it’s nice to support the local clubs. It’s great for the fans to come and see some old faces – some very old faces.”

Jacobs added that Thackley’s under-19s team, which beat the Legends 3-0, were a “good little side who seemed to enjoy the occasion”.

e-mail: will.kilner@telegraphandargus. co.uk