A CROWD of around 2,500 enjoyed Todmorden Lions annual fun day despite the fact that there was no food!

The event, in the grounds of Todmorden High School, is expected to raise more than £2,000 for the Lions charity fund as well as raising money for local groups who had stalls and games.

Lions president Michael Clarkson said: "We have been very fortunate with the weather and I think everyone was determined to enjoy themselves because of the cancellation of the carnival and agricultural show due to the foot and mouth crisis.

"However, we were let down by the people who were supposed to be doing the catering -- we didn't know they weren't coming until it was too late to find anyone else.

"Some people went home early there was no food available. It won't happen again because we have already booked another company for next year."

The fun day was opened by deputy mayor, Coun Frank Bowen.

Attractions included the Pendle Dog Display team, entertainment by Mid Pennine Arts and a visit by the Yorkshire air ambulance for which an impromptu collection raised about £150.

Among local organisations with stalls were Todmorden community brass band, judo club, Halifax Lions, Calderdale Hospice and Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Sea Cadets.

Visitors to the school fields were also able to see a tree sculpture of a giraffe, created by tree surgeon Ian Clarkson and David Wynn, of Todmorden art group. The artwork was designed after the oak was struck by lightning. Local youngsters are being asked to suggest names for the giraffe.