COLNE Gala returned in style as crowds flocked to the new-look event.

Although the gala lost its traditional home and major parade through the town, it still found huge support from visitors at its new Holt House Rugby Club venue.

The Gala Fun Day returned after a one-year absence, with much of the sparkle of old, as fun fairs, competitions, bands, majorettes and special attractions brought supporters rolling in.

Dog display shows and fun with Rudi the Clown, combined with the tug o' war contest -- won by the rugby club team -- and a fancy dress competition to add to a fun-packed event.

The weather was kind and organisers declared themselves well satisfied with the comeback.

Organising committee spokesman Donald Leaver said: "Everyone seemed to have a good time and the Holt House Ground worked very well.

"We will be holding a meeting this week and it looks like Holt House could be our permanent venue."

Mr Leaver said he believed the gala could break even -- putting it on a firm footing for the future.

It was a big day for Gala Queen Vickie Hyatt and junior queen Stacey Ingham who were crowned by the show opener, deputy mayor of Pendle Coun Pauline McCormick.

In the majorettes competition, the top tinies and junior prizes went to Silsden troup, with the senior trophy taken by Keighley.

The show committee cancelled last year's event following problems in the previous year when wet conditions churned up the Alkincoats Park showground. The gala, which had received a £500 grant from Pendle Council, subsequently got a near £1,000 bill from the town hall for remedial work to the park.

This year the procession through town was cancelled on police advice because of likely traffic problems following changes on North Valley Road.

While judged a success, the fun-day was a far cry from the halcyon days of the 1960s when Colne boasted one of the biggest and best carnivals in the North, with two weeks of events, attracting entertainers and visitors from throughout the region.