RAIN might have stopped play last year but Blackburn Lions' gala was a roaring success over the weekend.

Thousands of people braved the dull and dismal weather and flocked to Witton Park for the annual fundraiser in aid of local charities.

And it is hoped the gala, in its 27th year, will have raised in excess of £10,000.

Last year the event was hit by a deluge which turned the arena into a mudbath and counter-attractions, such as Blackburn Rovers playing Barcelona at Ewood Park and the Manchester United v Liverpool Charity Shield clash on TV, hit attendances badly.

President John Savage said: "We went through to the bitter end last year but it was appalling weather and the park was awash so it was not a great success.

"But this year has definitely been a success as thankfully the rain kept off until right at the end so we had a great day and we hope to have raised around £10,000.

"The highlight of the event had to be when the Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen Jacqueline Humphrys took on the death slide and was followed immediately by my lady, Avis, it was quite a sight.

"This is a very important event for the local community as well as being our major fundraising event of the year where the bulk of the money raised is distributed to local charities."

A new attraction this year was an Its a Knockout competition involving 11 local teams battling it out on an inflatable obstacle course.

This was won a team from Initial Electronic Security Systems going under the name of Lisa's Lot.

Proceeds from the Its a Knockout, which are expected to be around £5,000, will go to Derian House children's hospice, near Chorley.

The remainder of funds raised from the gala will be distributed later this year to local charities.