SKIPTONIANS will tell you that Gala Day is bound to dawn wet and miserable.

BBut this year the old adage was proved wrong as prayers for good weather were answered and the committee behind this year's Skipton gala is lauding it as one of the most successful events for a long time.

From lunchtime on Saturday the Middletown area became a meeting point for an array of floats, wagons and vehicles.

Beginning its departure to Aireville Park at 2pm the procession was the longest one for some time, taking around three quarters of an hour to snake through the town's streets.

The gala rosebud queen Rachel Harrison and her attendants Mollie Dee, Emily Pullan, Thomas Biggins and Rhys Biggins were well-practised in their waves and smiles for the crowds who lined the streets to watch.

Gala stalwarts Fred and Doreen Dawson were invited to carry out the official opening and crown the gala queen as a thank you for all their hard work over the last 70 years.

A line-up of events continued throughout the afternoon which included a display by Marsh Falconry and a daredevil performance by Mark Stannage, who thrilled crowds by escaping from a box suspended over the park, which exploded as he made his exit. There were also majorette competitions and a firework display, sponsored by Marshall Waddington, in the evening.

Chairman of the Skipton charities gala committee Geoff Dunn said the day had gone fantastically well.

"I am proud of everybody that has been involved. All the money goes to the kids of Skipton and that's why we do it," he said.