CROWDS cottoned on to Dot Cotton when the EastEnders star opened Barnoldswick and Earby Round Table's Millennium Gala.

They gave the TV soap actress June Brown the biggest cheer of the day as she arrived for the area's major social event of the year.

June had rushed away from rehearsals to travel North and delays meant the procession from the Fosters Arms to Victory Park was held up for three quarters of an hour until she arrived in town.

But for the crowds who lined the streets, it was a worthwhile wait and they gave her a rousing welcome.

June, who had shed her familiar curlers and cardies, was also a wow with fans on the park after she had carried out the official opening and crowned new gala princess, 12-year-old Colne Fisher-More pupil Joanne Honeyman.

The lady from Albert Square stayed on the ground signing autographs for more than two hours before returning to Gisburn's Stirk House Hotel where she took part in a major charity fund-raiser last night. Show Master of Ceremonies Francis Welch said : "She was terrific and the people loved it.

"No other star opener has stayed so long," he added.

Organisers were celebrating the success of the event, held in bright sunshine, drawing the best attendance for years.

The death-defying High Tension high wire act had crowds looking to the skies, while the roar of the bikes on the motorcycle trials had onlookers spellbound.

Charity stalls, games, competitions, model railway, Morris dancers, marching bands and a giant funfair all added to the colourful scene.

Green-fingered gardeners supported Barnoldswick Horticultural Society's annual flower show and Barnoldswick firefighters displays attracted wide attention.

The procession was led by Barnoldswick Brass Band and the Barlic Hotel won the prize for the best float in the show.

Mr Welch said the event had lived up to its billing of "the greatest show on earth".

"Everything has been superb -- it was our millennium gala, it could be a record and it really has been a day to remember," he said.

Town Crier Kevin Griffiths drew the lucky programme winners who were: £100 first prize, Mrs J Greenhalgh, Valley Road. £50 prize, M. Sharp, Moorgate Road. £25, Beryl Pickles, Damside.