MUSIC, fun and competitions created a carnival atmosphere in central Silsden last weekend.

Spectators lined the streets for a lively, colourful procession led by a jazz band, followed by an afternoon festivities in the park.

Gala committee chairman Mags Croft said: "It went absolutely brilliantly. We've already had reaction saying that this was the best gala ever.

"We were busy all day. There was a small shower first thing, then after that the weather was fine. The heavy rain forecast never materialised, so we were really lucky.

"Every penny we earn goes back towards staging next year's gala. In terms of funds it looks like we've done O.K. this year."

The gala was opened by Silsden deputy mayor Councillor Keith Savage and the 2014 gala queen, five-year-old Emily-Jane Murdoch.

Other attractions included dance and music demonstrations, a collection of owls, fairground rides, children's races, a tug-of-war, a smoothie-making bike and a set of stocks where volunteers were pelted with wet sponges.

There was also a mini steam railway, refreshment stalls and balloon modelling with children's entertainer Ken Gaskell.

Results were: procession winners: vehicular floats - 1 British Legion, 2 Twisters Club, 3 David Throup Tractors; visiting gala queens - 1 Colne, 2 Oakworth, 3 Sutton; fancy dress - 1 Harry Hope (Astronaut), 2 no name provided (The Incredible Hulk), 3rd Margaret Proctor (I should have danced all night); walking groups - 1 St James Church, 2 Silsden Majorette, 3 Silsden Juniors; overall winner - St James Church.