CHEERLEADERS, hula hoopers and a bagpiper entertained the crowds at Sutton Fun Day.

Early-morning rain failed to deter people from flocking to South Craven biggest annual gala on Sunday.

The skies had cleared by the time the procession set off around the village from Bridge Street with a host of village groups.

Sutton’s Day Queen, Ellie Sivley, attended in a see-through horse-drawn carriage borrowed from Blackpool’s Golden Mile.

Also in the parade were visiting gala queens from Silsden Oakworth, Colne and Keighley.

The winning walking group was the May School of Dance, and the second prize went to Sutton Church of England School.

The winning float was a French cafe tableau from Sutton’s Green Hut Theatre Company, based around its upcoming comedy play ’Allo, ’Allo.

The parade also included Sutton Juniors, local Rainbows, Guides and Brownies, and the Green Hut’s junior group The Laffia. The parade was judged by Skipton MP Julian Smith.

The procession ended up in Sutton Park, where a host of attractions lasted all afternoon, including the funfair, stalls, games, sumo wrestling and a dog show.

Several groups took part in the procession and entertained in the park, including the Starz Elite cheerleaders, the May School of Dance and the Jamba Samba Band.

Members of Eastburn Fitness gave a hula hoop display, then let visitors try with the hoops, which proved immensely popular.

The fun day is organised by Sutton Village Committee and raises money for the village events such as the bonfire night fireworks display.

Committee treasurer Christine Young paid tribute to the host of volunteers who helped on the day, but urged more villagers to join the three-strong committee itself.

She said: “A lot of people with stalls had to get more stock, so they’ve done well. A lot of them have already ordered stalls for next year.”