LARGE crowds flocked to Buckden Gala to enjoy a traditional Upper Wharfedale afternoon.

The usual and ever-popular mix of stalls, a beer tent, tea room and children's activities and races, along with dog and sheep shows, kept everyone entertained.

There was also the Buckden Pike fell race and displays by the Langstrothdale Gun Dogs.

Musical entertainment was provided by the Skipton Community Orchestra and the Skipton Youth Band.

The Buckden Pike fell race, organised by Barlick Fell Runners, was won by Jamie Parkinson, of Pudsey and Bramley, in a time of 34 minutes, 17 seconds. Second was Jack Wood, of Ilkley, and third was Joshua Boyle, of Barnoldswick.

Buckden farmer, Garry Schofield, competing in his first ever fell race, managed a creditable 72nd place in a time of 52 minutes, 37 seconds.

There were once again a record number of entrants in the children’s races, which included forwards and backwards running, balancing balls on a bat and a sack race. Rebecca Scott, of Buckden, triumphed, winning no less than four races for the second year in a row.

The afternoon closed with a closely-fought locals v visitors tug-o'-war contest, with the visitors winning 3-2, and the now traditional knock-out egg throwing competition.

Gala field marshal was Bev Owen and gala secretary was Debbie Roe, who together with the gala committee and helpers, put on a very successful event.

The popular dog show was judged by television personality and Kennel Club dog trainer of the year, Carolyn Mentieth.

Class winners included: most handsome dog/prettiest bitch, which was won by Toba, owned by Polly Crawley; waggiest tail – Bea, owned by Keith Portman; most appealing eyes – Zac, owned by Ted Salmon; best hair day – Lottie, owned by Heather Gibbs.

Sheep show results

Dalesbred Gimmer Hogg: 1 M and I Close; 2 M and I Close; 3 M and I Close.

Swaledale Gimmer Hogg: 1 M and I Close; 2 T, J and W Akrigg; 3 T, J and W Akrigg.

Dalesbred ewe and horned lamb: 1 M and I Close; 2 M and I Close; 3 P Bowdin.

Swaledale ewe and horned lamb: 1 M and I Close; 2 T, J and W Akrigg; 3 T, J and W Akrigg. Horned ewe and crossed lamb: 1J Huck.

Dalesbred tup hogg: 1 M and I Close; 2 P Bowdin; 3 M and I Close.

Swaledale tup hogg: 1T, J and W Akrigg; 2 M and I Close; 3 T, J and W Akrigg.

Dalesbred aged tup: 1 M and I Close; 2 P Bowdin; 3P Bowdin.

Swaledale aged tup: 1J Huck; 2 T, J and W Akrigg; 3 M and I Close.

Fat lamb: 1 M and I Close.

Pair of dalesbred gimmer lambs: 1 M and I Close; 2 M and I Close.

Pair of swaledale gimmer lambs: 1 T, J and W Akrigg; 2 M & I Close.

Woolled hill sheep: 1 M and I Close; 2 M and I Close; 3 M and I Close.

Ram any other breed: 1 M and I Close.

Female any other pure breed: 1 M and I Close.

Tup hogg and gimmer hogg: 1 T, J and W Akrigg; 2 M and I Close; 3 M and I Close.

Group of three: 1 T, J and W Akrigg; 2 M and I Close; 3 M and I Close.

Male champion: J Huck.

Female champion: M and I Close.

Animal truest to type: overall champion – M and I Close; most points – M and I Close.