Last weekend the annual charity extravaganza of the Keighley Gala parade was watched by many thousands of people.

It brought joy to a huge number of people lining the route as families have done for one hundred and twenty six years.

The gala is something unique to this town, a type of event which is hard to match anywhere else.

It most certainly is an occasion which should score high marks in the Capital of Culture bid, on the assumption that it has been included.

The Gala puts as many people on the streets as do major sporting events. It certainly provides commercial opportunities for many businesses.

Sadly Keighley Gala has reached a critical stage in its history - there can be no doubt about that. It needs an injection of new blood, new ideas, and younger people taking an interest in its future.

As Gala chairman Brian Hudson puts it bluntly, there are only eight people left on the committee and they are not getting any younger.

For the first time admission to Victoria Park was free mainly due to a shortage of members. Instead a bucket was provided for donations. To the lasting shame of the visitors to the park and funfair the amount collected hardly covers the cost of the buckets.

But thanks to the committee members and other volunteers cash was collected on the parade route and with other donations money will be given to charitable causes. To those eight people who work tirelessly to keep the gala going we raise our hats. We salute you for refusing to let the tradition die.

As they say, if the people of Keighley want their gala they have to be prepared to give it their support.

That same message applies to numerous other groups and organisations throughout the town facing the same challenge.

Part of the uniqueness of Keighley is the fact it has so many active organisations - especially ones involving young people. Many need your help. We urge you to step forward and make a difference.