GALA fever hit Skipton on Saturday.

The fun started with a procession through the town starting from Westmoreland Street.

The parade was due to set off at 1pm, but it was slightly delayed when the horse and carriage transporting the queen and her attendants was late.

Gala chairman Geoff Dunn said the procession was longer than in other years and it had taken him just over an hour to let all the floats and vehicles out into the town.

The parade included school floats, majorettes and the groups Custer's Last Band and Jump Start.

Gala rosebud queen Georgina Wood and her attendants Izzy Ellwood, Shannon Morris and pageboys Jordan Courtney and Shane Robinson were warmly received by the crowds who had turned out to watch the procession.

The gala entourage made its way to Aireville Park where Georgina was crowned by the outgoing queen.

After this families took in the thrills and spills of Marshall Waddington's funfair and watched the entertainment provided.

Attractions included majorette competitions, a magician and displays by the Motorcycle Madmen.

The day was rounded off with a fireworks display which was watched by an estimated 2,000 people.

Mr Dunn said the gala had been "absolutely magical".

Proceeds from the event are shared out by the Skipton Charities Gala Committee to local charities and organisations. Mr Dunn said they expected the takings from the gates to be up by around £1,500 as they had put in extra security fencing to stop people sneaking on to the gala field without paying.

He added that there had been plenty of good feedback about the event and his only wish was that there had been more charity stalls.

Gala committee member Vera Longthorne said it had been a marvellous day.

"The best bit was seeing the children enjoying themselves," she told the Herald.

A number of competitions were held during the gala.

Megan Oldcorn won the fancy dress competition, dressed as Spongebob Squarepants.

Best float was awarded to a group of Rainbows who decorated their wagon on an underwater theme. The Copper Dragon Brewery came second with its Brewery Babes float.

The best school float was awarded to Brougham Street Nursery School, which was decorated with children's art work. Aireville School's samba band took the runner up position.

The Carnival Queens of Great Britain won the open gala retinue or float section with the Keighley Gala float in second place.

Shannon Day, who came as a "Devil in Disguise" won the best home-made costume category and Jack Armstrong, who arrived as Elvis, won second prize.

Karen Knowles' Dr Who float scooped the musical group category with Custers' Last Band finishing second.