IT may have been raining and cool, but the unseasonal weather failed to dampen spirits at this year's Colne Gala.

The event, on Holt House playing fields was to raise money for the parents of Francesca McKay, a five-month-old girl who was born with two holes in the heart.

The money will be used to develop their garden so they could have somewhere to sit outside with the infant.

Despite the late cancellation of the procession through the town there was still plenty to keep families entertained with attractions including fire engines, fairground rides, a strong man act and rodeo demonstration, not to mention the various stalls.

This year's gala was opened by Pendle MP Gordon Prentice.

Rachel Pearson, who was part of the committee which organised the event, said it was disappointing the procession was cancelled after a late objection by the Highways Department, but they wanted to raise as much money as possible.

She said: "The cancellation was disappointing and the weather was not too good but we did not let that stop us from having a good day.

"This year we had bands, which we have never had before."

Donna Burrow, from Burnley, was at the event with her children Dominic, 7,and Molly Wyer, 6. The pair were looking forward to going on the rides.

Donna said they come every year and added: "The weather was not going to spoil the day. If it was snowing we would still come. It is a good family day out and everybody enjoys themselves."