SKIPTON Sheep Day has been declared a great success - with the forecast heavy rain staying off until right just before the end.

The closed High Street was full on Sunday for the annual celebration of 'Sheep Town' with a variety of stalls, including one on rope-making, a petting zoo, street entertainment, live music,plenty to eat and drink, and fairground rides, plus much more.

The Sheep Show was back with its crowd-pleasing fun and educational show featuring live sheep, and Holy Trinity Church staged a garden fete and opened the church tower for the day, for people to climb and have a bird's eye view of the town.

It was also armed forces day and was attended by the 5th Regiment, ‘The Yorkshire Gunners'. There were military vehicles and deactivated artillery, for people to look at under close supervision, and stalls by the Royal British Legion, and the Royal Air Force cadets.

Organised by Skipton Town Council, The Haworth Home Guard WR28, enthusiasts group, was also at the event, and at the end of the day, the Armed Forces flag was lowered and presented to veteran, Ernest Ramsbotham.

Rombalds Radio was also there with live music from a stage on the High Street.

Joy Sanderson, who was at the event with her family, said there was much to enjoy.

"I's been a really lovely day, we weren't sure whether to come or not, because of the weather forecast, but we are so glad we did; the kids have had a great time, its just such a family event, the Sheep Show was hilarious, we've seen it before, but its such good fun."

Harry Blowers, had come on to Sheep Day after dropping in on Big Bike Sunday at Skipton Auction Mart.

"We used the park and ride opposite the auction mart because we saw that something was going on in the town, and its been such a laugh; I particularly liked the rope-making stall, the singing on the stage was really good too - who needs to go to Glastonbury."

Louise Close, chief officer of Skipton Town Council, said it had been a great day which had been enjoyed by all.

She said: "What a fantastic day in Skipton for the annual celebration of our town, 'Sheep Town'.

"Everybody enjoyed themselves and I have received some lovely feedback. The charity stalls were welcomed as this annual event is paramount to their support and we thank everyone who took time to speak to our traders.

"The poignant moment of the lowering of the Armed Forces day flag, folded by the Skipton Air Cadets and presented to Ernest Ramsbotham by Lt D Mitchell of the 5th Regiment, ‘The Yorkshire Gunners’ brought a moment of reflection and thanks to all our armed personnel and families, both past and present, who sacrifice so much.

"Our relationship with the Yorkshire Gunners is a very special and proud one."

Mrs Close said the council hoped to make next year's Sheep Day bigger and better, and would welcome suggestions from the public.

She added: "I’d like to thank everybody who attended, traded, smiled, and enjoyed the day in our lovely town, especially when the heavens opened, and the rain decided it was time to pack up and call it a day for this year."