DESPITE events across the country being cancelled because of the foot and mouth crisis, this year's Barnoldswick Gala has been ranked as was one of the best yet.

Thousands of people flocked to Victory Park on Saturday afternoon to make the most of the attractions on the gala field and a number of different local charities will benefit from the proceeds.

But the build-up to the gala began much earlier in the day with a demonstration by the world-famous Red Arrows aerobatic team over the town which was watched from various points including the gala field and Letcliffe Park.

This was followed by the annual gala procession which for the first time this year started from Calf Hill Road and made its way along to Wellhouse Road before moving on to the park.

It was led by Barnoldswick Brass Band and Best Float was won by Barnoldswick Chamber of Trade.

Highlight of the day for three of the young girls attending the event was the announcement that they would be taking over as the new Gala Princess and her attendants.

The current princess, Joanne Honeyman, 13, handed over her crown to Colne Fisher More pupil Emily Mitchell, 13, of Salterforth.

Emily's attendants will be Laura Frankland, 11, a pupil at West Craven High School, and Briony Holleran, 10, of St Joseph's Primary in Barnoldswick. The gala was officially opened at 1.30pm by Barnoldswick runner Lee McCash and former Barnoldswick baker Ronnie Sainty. The Mayor of Pendle, Coun Colin Waite, and Gordon Prentice MP were almost among the guests.

Publicity officer Mark Sandamas said: "The Red Arrows were very impressive which was a good start to the day. The crowd seemed similar to last year but we were more successful on programme sales, so we should have made a profit whereas last year we broke even.

"The new route for the procession probably worked out better because the crowds were closer to the floats in the town centre."

Attractions on the gala field included a strength double act, motorbike trials and competition, a minitaure railway, demonstrations by Barnoldswick firefighters, the Barnoldswick Horticultural Society's annual flower show, performances by the Barnoldswick Super Troupers and other majorette groups as well as stalls, children's activities and refreshments.

Nick Kemp, chairman of the Barnoldswick and Earby Round Table, who organised the event, said: "It went extremely well. We were very pleased with it and despite the poor weather when setting up it turned into a beautiful afternoon and people seemed to have a very good time."

Members of the Barnoldswick and Earby Round Table are hoping to have raised around £1,000 from the Barnoldswick Street Fair last Thursday.

Current total is £575, including a donation of £175 from HSBC bank, and another donation is on its way which it is hoped will take the figure up to £1,000.