Huge crowds enjoyed another glorious day at the fantastic Addingham Gala.

In blistering heat and bright sunshine the annual parade set off down Main Street to the beat of the Eclipse Jazz band.

Gala Queen Anna Richardson and her attendants Hana White, Thomas Renwick, William Coates and Nell Carter were a delight to behold atop their lilac carriage and led majestically a parade filled with Cartoon Time fun.

Best Float was won by the Brownies in Flintstone outfits and Bedrock cars and Nursery Rhymes won best walking in their Thomas the Tank Engine locomotives.

Dozens of Minnie and Mickey Mice, Simpsons, Popeyes, Scooby-Dos and Buzz Lightyears marched to the delight of hundreds of villagers as they made their way to the Gala Field.

The now popular and well supported best-dressed property competition added to the atmosphere of the day with Erica Smith's house, depicting a scene from Top Cat and the Village Stores decked out in Dennis the Menace regalia emerging as worthy winners.

Gala Queen Anna Richardson calmly opened the event and received her prizes and then the day was kept running to schedule by compere Roger Ingham, who declared the Gala his favourite day of the year.

The number and quality of the craft competition entries particularly impressed the Gala committee.

This event, in its second year, attracted 150 per cent more entries than last year and was much admired and appreciated by the many visitors to the marquee.

The children's races were enjoyed by all who took part and very few thumbs were spotted holding eggs on spoons! And the tug of war that rounded off the afternoon in traditional style was won, yet again, by the triumphant team from the Craven Heifer.

The Gala committee thanked all those who contributed to the day and urged anyone who feels they could contribute fresh ideas and enthusiasm to Gala 2004 to call Rebecca Carter on (01943) 830903.