SKIPTON Charities Gala Committee has again presented cheques for over £2,000, the proceeds of last year’s annual highlight, to seven deserving local charities, community groups and organisations.

The presentation evening was held at the Rendezvous Hotel, Skipton, conducted jointly by long-serving gala committee chairman Geoff Dunn and 2022 gala queen Emily Dollard, a pupil at Embsay Primary School.

Groups receiving donations were Skipton RFC Girls Rugby, Aireworth Dogs in Need, Skipton Junior Football Club, Embsay-with-Eastby Pre-School Playgroup, Skipton District National Childbirth Trust, 3rd Skipton Scouts and Say Aphasia.

Meanwhile, organisers are now looking forward to this year’s Gala, on Saturday, June 10, when the 2023 Gala Queen will be crowned. Entries for selection of the new queen and attendants remain open until Friday, March 10, with the auditions ceremony to be staged at The Rendezvous Hotel, on Sunday, March 12, 1pm.

Application forms are available from info@skipongala.org.uk or via the website at skiptongala.org.uk as are applications for the procession and stalls in Aireville Park. As usual the procession will assemble at 11am in Westmoreland Street and be ready to move off at 1pm.

A great deal of work goes into staging the gala and organisers say offers of help from willing volunteers will again be more than welcome.