SOAP star Alec Gilroy is set to bring a smile or two to the faces of Coronation Street fans when he opens Barnoldswick Gala on Saturday.

Actor Roy Barraclough will help get the town's 26th annual gala off to a cracking start when he joins the floats in the procession through the streets from the Foster's Arms pub.

Once on the field at Victory Park he will crown gala princess Sarah Kenyon and declare the event open.

Barnoldswick and Earby Round Table members have organised the day, and every penny raised goes to charity.

Visitors will be treated to two breath-taking aerial displays as part of the entertainment.

Motorcycling skyriders will perform acrobatic feats when they take to the high wire at 3.15pm and 4.15pm; and the original kings of the air, birds of prey from a Falconry centre, will also be on display.

Among the other attractions are a bonny baby competition and a contest to find next year's gala princess.

Organisers hope to match or even top last year's £3,000 for charity.

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