SUNSHINE added the final perfect touch to the 39th annual Darwen gala which attracted record crowds.

But the busy site in Borough Road was the scene of a road accident at noon on Saturday.

Morris dancer Anne Louise Baines, 16, of Kirby, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with a bruised leg.

She had competed in the North West competition and was heading back to troupe bus when accident happened.

Driver of the Ford Fiesta, Lilian Duffy, 50, of East Park Avenue, Darwen, was unhurt.

There were more 30 charity and trade stalls at the event, heralded as an "excellent day" by organisers. The Red Rose Land Rover Club organised trips to Darwen Tower for more than 100 people - including 90 year-old Alice Smith who hadn't been to the Tower in 30 years.

Visitors were keen to pop in to the Blackburn with Darwen Council tent to hear news about the town and voice their concerns about its future. It was part of a consultative initiative which was a first for the gala.

Winners of the 27-strong float parade, judged by Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun David Foster and Mrs Karimeh Foster, were Earcroft Community Base, DAPA dance and performing arts school in Blackburn, Darwen Market and Mini Land Rover.