ANIMALS were the theme at Cononley Gala at the weekend, with hundreds of villagers turning out to enjoy the spectacle.

Gala day started out dry with the fancy dress competition starting the proceedings, and with the theme of 'Cononley's Animal Kingdom', there were some brightly coloured and imaginative costumes.

Following the judging, the children joined the parade around the village. Scores of people came out of their houses to line the streets to watch the floats and dancers in near sunshine, with the space outside the village's New Inn the most congested - as usual.

After returning to the main arena the guest of honour, Richard Woolf, formally handed the crown from last year's Queen to the new Queen and King, Lucy Leek and Zachary Jones, and their attendants, Charlie Hudson and Faye Munslow, all pupils at Cononley Primary School.

Afternoon tea was then taken by the royalty where the children wowed the adult dignitaries with their good manners, articulate questions and joy of the occasion, said one of the organisers, Dan Timbers.

"The gala was by now in full swing with loads of games, food stalls and entertainment in the main arena to enjoy," he said.

"Unfortunately the rain started at about 3pm making for some damp dogs and owners in the dog show. The adult tug-o-war was cancelled because of the wet conditions but the kids were not to be perturbed by a bit of water and all races were completed in good humour, including the fell race."

He added: "All in all a great day was had by all and lots of money was raised to support the upkeep of the village playing fields."

Guests of honour were Richard and Maureen Woolf.

Results:

Playing Fields trophies:

Girl: Ruby Reynolds

Boys: Joint first: William Oakden and Oscar Timbers

Fell race:

Girls: 1 Ruby Reynolds; 2 Scarlett Newman; 3 Clara Mason

Boys:1 Ewan Wilkinson; 2 Oliver Wild; 3 William Oakden