AFTER months of competitive wellie throwing, baked bean eating, fun running, and even rafting down the canal, Gargrave Business Initiative's answer to the Commonwealth Games has announced its champions.

Going for Gold in Gargrave was organised by members of the GBI to help boost trade in the village.

Beginning in July, 50 events were organised with something going on almost each week allowing individuals or whole families to compete for the coveted "Golden Family" title.

Even the family pet was encouraged to get involved in various pet competitions.

Entrants were awarded points which have been totalled up to find the gold, silver and bronze winners who each get commemorative medals.

The winning family was the Holmes-Poulters of Neville Road; who will receive a special prize of £50. Runners-up were the Wilson family, of Swire Croft, while the bronze award went to the Prell family, also of Swire Croft.

One of the organisers, Linda Hartell-Payne, of the Dalesman Caf. said: "Some of the events were very well supported just as we expected. Others fell at the first fence, but they were just ideas we all put together right at the beginning."

The baked bean eating competition had the organisers beaten. When the heats were finished the competitors were too full to go through an eat-off so there were five joint winners.

Another event which proved popular with all ages was the fun run. Special mention has to be made of three-year-old Fred Hewetson who completed the whole course in his wellies.

Also surpassing all expectations was the tiddler catching contest which was overseen to ensure no fish were harmed. Young Lauren Holmes proved very skilful, catching 68 tiddlers. Lauren is a member of the gold medal winning family.

In total 195 families took part in Going for Gold events throughout the summer, which amounted to 540 individual entries.

It is intended Going for Gold in Gargrave will be repeated annually although a shortened list of events will be on offer.

However, just like this year, there will be things for everyone to get involved in irrespective of their age and abilities.

And just as one event ends, another begins.

The second annual Guys Around Gargrave competition is to go ahead on October 26 and 27. Last year 30 guys were made by residents and businesses. This year it is hoped that number will top 50.

Judging will be by the public who take part in the trail around the village with prizes going to the winning guys. Money raised from the event is to go towards the bonfire on Saturday November 2.

Entry forms are available from the Dalesman Caf.