A BRIDGE closure has forced organisers of a village gala to change the event's procession plans.

The Riddlesden Gala parade was due to set off from the Applegarth Club, in Banks Lane.

But the Granby Lane canal bridge remains closed to traffic for repair work, affecting the proposed route through the village.

Now the gala committee has arranged for the procession to start instead from the layby area at River Mount, opposite the Co-op store.

It will then make its way along Grange Road to the gala field, at Riddlesden St Mary's Primary School.

"We are disappointed that the original route of the procession can no longer be taken due to the delays in repairing the canal bridge at Granby Lane," said a gala spokesperson.

"So as not to add to the traffic issues that residents are already experiencing, the committee will adopt a contingency plan.

"We will be speaking to the residents and businesses adjacent to the new start at River Mount. Bradford Council Highways has been consulted and it supports the proposed change."

The gala takes place on Saturday, June 18.

The event is making a comeback after a two-year absence due to the pandemic.

A gala king and queen, plus their cohort, were crowned in a ceremony at the village's United Reformed Church.

The procession will begin, from River Mount, at 1pm.

Participants will make their way to the primary school, where there will be a wide range of attractions – including fairground rides, stalls, refreshments, singing, music and a chance to refill cleaning product containers at the Riddlesden Green Connection stand.

Proceeds from the gala will be split between Hainworth Community Centre Foodbank and extracurricular activities for pupils at Riddlesden St Mary’s.

More volunteers are welcome to help with the setting-up and running of the event. Anyone able to assist is asked to email riddlesden.gala@outlook.com.

Further information about the gala – and updates – can be found on its Facebook page.

Ahead of the gala, a community litter pick is being held next Thursday (June 16), from 6pm to 7pm.

People should meet at the Co-op, in Bradford Road, to register and collect their litter picker, bag and gloves.

The finish is at the United Reformed Church, where tea, coffee and cake will be served.

The litter pick is inspired by youngsters Maisie and Angus McGuigan and friend Annabelle, who have already staged their own clean-up locally.