VISITORS who enjoyed the annual Addingham Gala were blessed once again with a fabulously hot and sunny day.

Scarcely a cloud blighted the bright blue sky all day and the sun brought with it huge crowds from the village and beyond.

One of the organisers Rebecca Carter said: "It was hard to imagine that a single villager was missing as the large procession snaked its way down Main Street - there was even a family from Cheshire who declared they couldn't bear to miss this wonderful day out."

The whole village threw its energy into making this year's gala one to remember - most notably the shopkeepers and residents of Main Street who once again excelled themselves with the most amazing decorated frontages.

Mrs Carter said: "Of particular note were houses at the top of Main Street who had turned their terrace into Captain Hook's pirate ship, in full sail with a large battery of cannons protruding from every window.

"Maddy Smith, who last year was sawn in half, was now seen tied to a stake in her garden as the desperate Tiger Lily. Further up the street was a perfect Hansel and Gretel gingerbread house complete with sweets and chocolates."

The organisers of the gala said they were were overwhelmed and delighted by the effort and interest that people had taken with their entries.

The parade, led by the Eclipse Band and the Gala Queen Float - decked out as Cinderella's carriage, did well not to buckle and melt under the intense heat.

The pantomime theme was taken up by all entries with splendid portrayals of characters from Aladdin, Puss in Boots, Cinderella, Snow White and the Wizard of Oz. Judged by Ann Cryer MP, the Gala Queen Float and 2nd Addingham Brownies as Jack and the Beanstalk were awarded prizes for best float and best walking group.

Mrs Carter said: "The Gala Committee would like to thank all of the entries for the effort and care put into their wonderful costumes and contraptions and only wish that the crowds who come to watch would dare to cheer and clap the groups as they go past."

Gala Queen Colette Howarth, with her attendants Liam O'Neill, Dillon O'Connor, Francesca Hall and Lucy Carter, opened the event on arrival at the field and there followed competitions, races and contests galore.

Nothing politically correct about this gala which was proud to host competitions for Bonniest Baby, Glamorous Granny and best looking big and small dog.

Fairy Godmother Loolabell welcomed her fairy friends into her magical marquee, the Corio Raptor Care exhibition was swamped with fascinated children all afternoon stroking and watching the owls, and the children's races and tug of war were enthusiastically cheered on.

The Eclipse and Aireville Samba bands made for extra entertainment on the field and the Silsden Town band delighted those seeking shelter from the heat whilst taking tea at the Memorial Hall.

The marquee and field were packed to bursting with stall and side shows with lots of local groups and charities taking the opportunity to boost their accounts. Of special note was Dillon O'Connor who had taken a stall to raise money selling old toys and games for the Make Poverty History campaign.

"He made £90 - well done Dillon," said Mrs Carter.

She added: "Early calculations suggest that takings are significantly up on previous years and the Gala Committee will be delighted to be able to give even more money to local causes than ever before."

The Addingham Gala, once again proved its ability to provide a unique family event with plenty of home grown entertainment and scarcely a nod in the direction of commercialisation. Anybody who would like to help them maintain and improve upon this trusty formula should call Rebecca Carter on 830903.

She said: "you will be most welcome to join our happy band."