ORGANISERS of a popular annual gala are appealing for volunteers to come forward.

This year's Oakworth Gala, held last month, was hailed as one of the best yet.

But the village society, which organises the event, says more help is needed to ensure the gala can continue.

"I would say the crowds of people who came along and supported this year's event were probably greater than I've ever seen," says Mrs Janet Armstrong, for the society.

"It was hugely successful.

"The sun shone throughout the day, except for a short, sharp shower late morning.

"Thanks go to everyone who helped in any way towards the success of the occasion and thank you to everybody who supported it.

"The society wants to continue to bring this event – which pleases so many people – to the village, but we do need help and support to do so."

Anyone interested in volunteering is invited to attend the society's next meeting, which takes place upstairs at the village hall on Tuesday, September 10, at 7.45pm.

This year's event began with a procession, which assembled in Windsor Road at 1pm and set off an hour later, making its way through the village to the gala field, off Victoria Road.

The parade was headed by piper Martin van der Boon.

Participants included Oakworth Gala Queen Annie Hardman and rosebuds Betsy Bennett and Harlie Rae Todd, together with last year's retinue and gala queens from Silsden and Colne.

There were members of the village's uniformed groups, Showkids, the pre-school, Diamonds and Sparkles dancers, Hi Energy, vintage vehicles, Keighley College and the Keighley Lions Club sleigh, plus an appearance from Jonathan Binney and Lee Bilbrough ahead of their coast-to-coast tandem charity bike ride dressed as a panto pony.

Attractions at the field included stalls, entertainment, inflatables, dance, refreshments, tombolas, the village hall 'pop up' bar, children's rides and races.

Amongst the performers were Voices of Yorkshire, Showkids, Oakworth Primary School cheerleaders and Hi Energy.

And the annual run, the Oakworth Haul, was held. It covers a four-mile route, starting and finishing at the field.

Andrew Wood, from Manorlands, was the master of ceremonies.

Mrs Armstrong adds: "We are grateful to the district Scout service team for the perfect road closure control and to all members of the public who respected the need for the said control in order that every single person was safe – thank you."