COLNE Gala is on the comeback trail -- set to make a welcome return after a year's absence.

Gala officials who called off last year's major social event because of lack of backroom support in staging the show bounced back today to announce a June 23 date for the Gala.

The event will again feature a full procession through town, but will have a new showground venue.

Officials have decided not to use the traditional Alkincoats showground, following disputes with the council, and will instead hold the show at Holt House Rugby Club.

Spokesman Donald Leaver said: "We now have support and feel confident we can stage a first class show this year."

The Gala was scrapped last year when a last-minute plea for volunteers fell on deaf ears.

Colne Carnival began in 1958 and was in its heyday in the 1960s when the event -- which included two weeks' of attractions and fund-raising events -- was the biggest of its kind in the North.

Lack of support saw the show end in the mid 1970s but it re-emerged as Colne Gala in 1992.

Mr Leaver said this year's first fund-raiser would be a race night at Holt House on February 16.

Holt House will also be the venue on March 16 for the competition to find this year's Gala Queen.