A COMBINATION of guaranteed fun, scorching sun and a gap in the Premiership soccer fixtures prompted thousands to descend on Darwen for its annual town gala.

Bee stings and slight cases of sun stroke were the only mishaps reported by organisers of the event in Borough Road field.

The delighted secretary of Darwen Town Gala committee, Roy Chatburn, said: "For the first time in three years the gala didn't clash with a Blackburn Rovers match so the day was even better supported than usual.

"The floats looked terrific and everybody entered into the spirit of the occasion. There was a great family atmosphere. Darwen Town Centre Association once again got involved and helped organise attractions to make the day bigger and better."

The Der Bier Barons Oompah band stole the show in more ways than one when they stepped in make up numbers in the traditional tug of war competition. Still dressed in Bavarian costumes, they battled it out with a team from Blackburn with Darwen Council's housing department in the final, to be crowned champions. New for 1997 was a gladiators contest. Four teams took part in the fun event modelled on the hit TV show. Blackburn with Darwen Council's direct services team scored the most points for their winning performance in the main arena.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun Peter Greenwood, was given the difficult task of picking a winner from the 17 floats which took part in the parade through the town.

Lancashire Fire Brigade with their new state-of-the-art turntable ladder scooped the top prize in the trade section, closely followed by the council's parks department and direct services department.

Residents of Lightbown Street caught his attention with their float decorated on the theme of nursery rhymes in the charities and organisations category. Sudellside Community Centre came second and the Cancer Research Campaign third.

Dozens of runners braved the soaring temperatures to compete in the famous Tower Race. First home was Paul Thompson in a time of 19 minutes 49 seconds. Barry Crewsden, who clocked up a time of 22 min 33 sec, fulfilled a lifetime ambition to win the race when he came first in veteran section. The keen runner of Glencarron Close, Hoddlesden, has taken part in the event for the last 22 years.

The winning woman was Blackburn nurse Alison Smith in 27 min 58 sec. In the junior section, Liam Barton, of Belgrave Road, Darwen, romped home in just 21 min 27 sec.

The Round The Lake race also proved popular. Dale Mayor won the six to eight age group and Kirsty Hargreaves came first in the nine to 11 years category.

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