SPIRITS were dampened at Saturday's Glusburn and Cross Hills Gala by the miserable weather and the shock announcement that it may be the last gala ever.

Gala committee chairman Edward Walters announced that the present organisers were stepping down, and unless volunteers came forward by November, the jubilee event could be the last.

The news was greeted with disappointment but Mr Walters said that although villagers enjoyed coming to the gala, the only people prepared to organise it had been himself, his wife, Julie, and their family and friends.

They have kept the gala running for the past six years, and felt the time had come to step down.

"The committee is made up of myself, immediate family and a couple of very good friends. They must be to put up with what they have. There will be nobody to organise next year's gala unless someone comes forward," he said.

"After six years we have done our bit and we should really hand over to someone else. Thank you all very much for supporting us for the last six years."

Light rain and grey skies dominated the day, forcing several stalls to move inside. But the forecasted downpours and thunderstorms kept away.

Adopting a jubilee theme, the procession created a rainbow of colours as it marched from Malsis School to South Craven School.

There were no decorated floats this year apart from the gala queens, but there were plenty of fancy dress entrants on foot - with Glusburn School winning the trophy for their "Conquest of Everest". The Birch family created a stir with their circus skills.

The parade was accompanied by music from the City of Bradford Pipe Band, and the street collection raised £293, down £100 on last year.

Keighley town crier Michael Walton opened the event while chairman of Craven District Council Stephen Butcher and his wife, Moira, judged the fancy dress with chairman of Glusburn Parish Council, Gill Birks.

Gala queen Sophie Reape did an excellent job of handing out the prizes. She was attended by Rebecca Thompson, Katie Johnson, Laura Melsome-Smith, Jasmin Shaw and Tom Storrie.

Tom stepped in last minute when Jonathan Hardaker changed his mind about being an attendant.

Inside, jubilee teas were served, and there were various stalls and a model railway. Outside, those risking the rain enjoyed a fairground and minibus rides courtesy of Keighley Rotary Club.

A fire engine was the highlight for the younger children and there were also mini motorbikes for the older youngsters.

The traditional afternoon sports were adapted to continue the royal theme with a queen's egg and spoon race, a royal sprint and a golden carriage race.