THE search is on for Yeadon's pantomime principal boys of yesteryear.

They are needed to travel on a float at Yeadon's annual carnival which is being held on July 3.

Carnival officials are trying to contact as many present or former amateur actors who have played principal boy in pantomime at Yeadon, whether the shows were given at the Town Hall or at the former Temperance Hall at the bottom of the Steep (Town Street).

Geoff Wilkinson, chairman of the carnival committee, said the theme of this year's carnival is Yeadon Over the Past 1000 Years and although the pantomime has only been staged for around 100 years it has become part of the social life of the town.

Mr Wilkinson now has the problem of trying to trace all the principal boys who have trod the boards during the late 1930s or since the end of the 1939-45 War.

One former principal boy, Evelyn Woodhead, formerly known as Bramley and Collins, has promised to travel on the float.

Mrs Woodhead was principal boy for three successive years in 1951, 1952 and 1953.

Yeadon's annual pantomime is a tradition and has been given in the town for more than 100 years.

Principal boys have been a feature down the years and at the turn of the century one principal boy caused a stir in the town when she appeared on stage wearing tights.

l So far ten organisations have promised to enter floats for the carnival parade.

A number of former members of the 16th Airedale Scout Group, based at Yeadon, who are now in their 70s are to take part alongside the present members, who will occupy another float.

Yeadon postal workers are to enter a float covering the Postal Service since the 1840s.

And there will be floats from a number of Yeadon schools and owners of vintage cars and motorcycles have promised to take part.

Senior citizens who attend meetings organised by the Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly have volunteered to wear clothes they wore in the mills of Yeadon 50 and 60 years ago.

"We are trying to keep the carnival going and I am hopeful the procession will be one of the biggest and best yet," he said.

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