SCORCHING sunshine cracked the ground at Bent Head playing fields to make Brierfield Gala a sizzling success.

Organisers, who only a year ago had their fingers crossed for the survival of the annual fun event, declared the future secure after more than 7,000 people enjoyed the parade of floats through town and the family festival on the showground.

Field secretary manager Coun Alan Buck said it had been a tremendous day for the people of Brierfield and for the rejuvenated gala organising committee.

"It has been the best ever - the best weather, the best attractions and the best ground. It has been tremendous," he said.

The showground provided dog displays, bands, fairground, fancy dress, a giant car boot sale, marching bands, line dancing and plenty more.

The free-to-enter 'friendly festival' of fun ran like clockwork after many painstaking hours of organisation.

Coun Buck , who last year called special meetings to raise a new committee to save the town's major social event, said that there was now no threat to the gala.

"But we still need more people to help build on our success.

"We will soon be starting to work on next year's show and the sooner volunteers come forward, the better," he added.

He said this year's show may raise as much as £2,000 for local charities.

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