THE weather was "kind" to crowds who turned out to enjoy Skipton Gala last Saturday.

Organisers had been hoping for a sunny day, but gala chairman Geoff Dunn said: "It went a lot better than we thought it was going to go.

"It was a very, very good day and the weather couldn't have been kinder to us," he said. "There was some rain in the morning but the procession was dry and it only drizzled for about half hour in the afternoon.

"Considering how much rain some places around us had, I think we've been lucky."

Mr Dunn said he was pleased with the turnout at this year's gala.

"The crowds were very good in town, as hundreds and hundreds turned out to watch the procession."

The procession started on Westmoreland Street, went along Sackville Street, Keighley Road, High Street, Mill Bridge, Water Street and Gargrave Road to the gala field in Aireville Park.

Entry to the gala was free this year but Mr Dunn said he believes the event should raise a similar amount of money, £3,500, which was raised last year and distributed to local charities.

On the field, gala-goers were entertained by a variety of events, including the Xtreme Stunt Team and a 'wild bunch' cowboy shootout, which Mr Dunn said "went down very well".

There was live music and the crowning of Rosebud Queen Rosie Marren, who was attended by Bethany Brewster and Madison Considine.

Children were entertained by 'Paw Patrol' characters, donkey rides and Marshall Waddington's Fun Fair.

There was also fireworks display for everyone late in the evening.

Mr Dunn, who has been chairman of Skipton Charities Gala for 20 years, also assured residents about the gala's future.

"We're not giving up," he stressed. "The gala will be here the second Saturday in June next year."