IT was a glorious summer's day for Horton-in-Ribblesdale's 35th annual gala on Saturday.

The organisers were delighted that, for once, they could concentrate on the smooth running of the event, rather than battling against the elements.

The floats and colourful band of fancy dress entrants were led through the village by Settle Fire Services and the South Steel Band - a group of musically gifted teenagers from a school in Leeds.

The superb weather contributed to an increase in gate receipts and a good crowd gathered to watch the proceedings.

The event was opened by John Peate, of Hansons Aggregates, based at Horton Quarry, who crowned the gala princess, 11-year-old Settle Middle School pupil Gemma Millman.

Gemma was attended by Chloe Leighton, Sarah Jackson, Derek Palmer and Jack DePledge.

Robert Owen, of Tarmac Northern, had the formidable task of judging the fancy dress contestants.

Top honours went to seven-year-old Ryan Hewitt, as Bertie Bassett, who won the Walter Sutcliffe memorial trophy for the best entrant overall.

The Chris and Jean Sutcliffe trophy, for the best entry under seven years, was awarded to Emily Palmer as The Lion King.

The winner of the Morton Cup for the best float was Horton Women's Institute with the "Wizard of Hoz".

Elsewhere on the field there was a display by North Yorkshire's police dogs and their handlers and performances by the Helen Howard School of Dance.

The Penyghent Fell Race attracted 152 intrepid runners. Past winner Craig Roberts was not hampered by the heat as he crossed the line in a time of 48.01 - slightly faster than his winning time last year. First lady was Natalie White in 54.16.

Other attractions included the Greenside alpacas, from Kirkby Lonsdale, children's sports, a newly installed zip line in the play area and various stalls and games.

Results: fancy dress five years and under - 1 The Knights of Stainforth, Ryan and William Maudsley, 2 Postman Pat, Edward Dickinson, 3 fairy, Jessica Harrison. Six to nine years - 1 Bertie Bassett, Ryan Hewitt, 2 Wizard of Oz, Tala and Aspen Pattinson, 3 Tiger Lily, Amy Coates. Ten to 14 years - 1 Gypsy Rose, Kerry Holgate. 15 years and over - 1 Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, Avril Palmer, 2 England supporter, Mark Humphreys. Groups: 1 James the Tank Engine, the Fat Controller, Emma and Tracey Dunkley, 2 Bill, Ben and Little Weed, Charlotte Middleton and Jordan and Alfred Dickinson, 3 Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Susan and Victoria Johnson.

Decorated pram: 1 Cowboy and Indians, the Armstrong family.

Floats: 1 The Wizard of Hoz, Horton Women's Institute; 2 One Man Went to Mow, Horton Landscaping.

Fell Race: 1 C Roberts, Kendal 48.01; 2 T Austin, Dark Peak 48.23; 3 M Whyaty BFR 48.38; 4 C Birchill, Leeds City 48.41; 5 A Breaks, CVFR 48.46; 6 R Pattinson, P&B 48.56. First lady, Natalie White, Bingley 54.16.