ORGANISERS of the 2019 Littondale Fête are hugely grateful to the hundreds who turned out on Saturday, August 10, despite the grim weather and helped to make this annual event such a great success.

Though it poured with rain throughout, all went off swimmingly. Sometimes almost literally.

But the stalwart organisers ignored the heavy downpours and enjoyed the day which helped raise money for the upkeep of the village hall.

The Littondale ‘4’ Road Race saw a record turn out with a phenomenal 119 entries. The 1st male back was Matthew Cardus (Settle Harriers), and 1st female was Hinda Hardaker (Keighley & Craven).

There were eight local entries, the highest so far in the history of the race with Robert Cowperthwaite and Hannah Rayner first local male and female to the finish line.

There were also record entries for the senior fell race, which saw a dramatic six changes of lead on the descent in the women’s fell race.

This was eventually won by Claire Green (Pudsey & Bramley).

Simon Bailey (Mercia) was first male, and Jane Sheard first local.

Bethan Buckley was the clear winner of the U9 fell race leaving the rest of the field well behind as she reached the finish line.

For full results of all Fell Races please see www.bofra.org.uk

There was an excellent turnout too for the children’s fancy dress with brilliant entries responding to the eco warrior theme.

James Marfitt (wind turbine) was first, Nola McNicholl (eco turtle), second and Scarlett Harrison (throw away fashion) third.

Despite the persistent rain, much fun was had by all those who entered the numerous children’s races, or brought along their dogs to enter the various classes of the dog show which gets bigger each year.

The day closed with the strong man & woman challenge with several entries battling the weather as well as the usual skills and strength tests.

The winning men’s team was David Charnley and Chris Harsley with Charlotte Charnley and Claire Penter taking the women’s prize.

The exact figures are still being totted up but far from the wash- out that could have been expected in such conditions around £2,500 was raised for the upkeep of Amerdale Hall, the village hall for Littondale.

Organisers thank all who contributed in so many ways to make that possible and hope to see everyone next year.