THERE were all the usual thrills and spills as Hebden Sports celebrated another successful event on Monday.

Chairman Ian Douglass said it was a very enjoyable day, despite the weather being overcast and cold.

"It is a traditional village event with plenty of things for the children to do," he added. "It is always well patronised, not only by Hebden children, but by youngsters from the neighbouring villages of Grassington and Threshfield."

Attractions included face painting, pillow fights, and a fancy dress competition, which was dominated by millennium bugs in different sizes and guises.

Mr Douglass added: "This year's tug of war contest was brilliant, with about 40 youngsters at each end of the rope. They all got sweets which were hurled into the air. It epitomises what we are about - for kids to enjoy themselves and have fun."

The fell races also proved popular, with 53 youngsters taking part in the under nines event.

The event forms part of the British Open Fell Runners Association Championship, and 47 senior runners lined up at the start of the shortest race in the BOFRA calendar.

International Steven Hawkins, from Grassington, led straight from the whistle, closely followed by Norman Drinkall, Andy Wrench, Stephan Macina, Billy Procter and Alfie Atkinson.

He crossed the finish line 40 seconds clear of Wrench in a time of 10 minutes 22 seconds, with Drinkall just holding onto third place. The first lady was Karen Slater of Kelbrook, just ahead of Kate Rogan who was running her first race as a senior lady.

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