Local musicians took on the cream of the country's accordion players last weekend in Glusburn. The event -- the North Central Area Accordion Festival -- was again hosted by Cross Hills music teacher Harry Hinchcliffe and his pupils.

Mr Hinchcliffe oversees both the Craven School of Music and the Craven Accordion Orchestra. The festival began last Saturday evening with a keyboard section, and the main accordion section ran throughout Sunday.

Among the 150-plus participants -- competing as soloists, small groups and orchestras -- were some of the best accordion players in the United Kingdom.

Mr Hinchcliffe says the festival is a forerunner to the one that is to be held in Scarborough this May.