Hundreds of people lined both sides of North Street to enjoy the return of the Keighley Gala procession today.

More than 20 vehicles accompanied by two bands set off from Spring Gardens Lane shortly after 1.30pm, following a route through the town centre which finished at Victoria Park for an afternoon of funfair attractions, competitions and other entertainment.

The cavalcade included four buses, vintage cars, half a dozen motorbikes, a fire engine, a horse-drawn black maria and several decorated vehicles representing local businesses.

The lively procession was led by Eclipse, a New Orleans-style jazz band, backed up by drummers from the Jamba Samba group.

The parade also featured a marching contingent from the Territorial Army and youngsters displaying artwork.

Earlier, a small but enthusiastic crowd gathered in Town Hall Square for performances by Eclipse and the crowning of the 2013 Keighley gala queen Samantha Hudson.

She was attended by princess Gemma Marshall, junior queen Kira-Alliece Southgate Enright, pageboy Simon Hudson and rosebud Lara Southgate Enright.

Also present was gala chairman Andrew Jackson, Keighley mayor Councillor Sally Walker and Bradford lord mayor Councillor Khadim Hussain.

Mr Jackson said he and his colleagues had completed a long, hard year of organising and planning to reach this point, but looked forward to the latest gala being well worth the effort.

* Don't miss Thursday's Keighley News for a full report and two-page photo special