The 40th East Morton Gala was, like the weather, a scorching success.

The procession was led through the village by the Huddersfield Brass Band in front of the new Gala queen. Then came the nannies, past and present, pushing prams from an antique wicker one to the latest buggies.

A collection of vintage cars was followed by East Morton Playgroup, and East Morton Primary school children all in fancy dress.

An exceptional visual display was given by the Xtreme Trials display team. The Gala was officially opened by Edna McMann. Edna, who was escorted by her son in law Peter Hall, has been a resident in Morton for over thirty years.

She stated what a pleasure it gave her to open the Gala. The new Gala Queen, Laura Burchell, was crowned by the retiring gala queen, Emma Clarke. Miss Burchell's attendants were Mauricha Chippendale, Emma Walker, Holly Peters and Katie Gray.

The Morton Village Trophy was awarded to the Brownies for best float and the Busfield Arms cup went to the Cubs and was accepted by Bertie Bassett and his Allsorts.

The Graham Irvine Trophy went to Geoff Hobson and Trevor Appleby, for all their tireless efforts in getting the Gala up and successfully running.

The winners of the under five's fancy dress were: 1st baby lion, 2nd Andy Pandy, 3rd Baby Bumble bee.

5-8 yrs: 1st David Beckham, 2nd Beefeater, 3rd Noddy.

Over 8: 1st Helen McCarthey and boat, 2nd Punk rocker, 3rd Twiggy. The overall fancy dress shield went to Bethany and her plant pot.

The bonny baby contest for under 12 mths was won by an exceptionally smiley Harry Sheridan, 2nd Felicity, 3rd Ben. The judge was Brenda Taylor. The winner of the pet dogs was McClarrie, 2nd Ronnie Barker, the judge was Lyndsay Stewart.

Sports Events Boys: Flat race - U5s, 1 E Kent 2 S Jewitt 3 W Turner; 5 & 6 years, 1 T Harding 2 R Moxon 3 N Gore; 7 & 8 years, 1 L Toulmin 2 L Dickerson 3 T Pheby; 9 & 10 years, 1 M Burchell 2 A Gooodchild 3 G Winters; 11 & 12 years, 1 E Collett 2 S Dickerson 3 M Arnold; 13 & 14 years, 1 J Jordan 2 C Yates 3 J Stentiford; 15 to 18 years, 1 O Walsh 2 A Muff 3 T McGee; Sack race - 7 & 8 years, 1 L Tomlin 2 R Bailey; 11 & 12 years, 1 E Collett 2 M Clapham 3 W Gore;9 & 10 years, 1 O Collett 2 S Dickerson 3 C Gray; 13 & 14 years, 1 C Yates 2 J Jordan 3 J Stentiford.

Girls: Flat race - U5s, 1 L Shambles 2 E Child 3 N Smith; 5 & 6 years, 1 C Coles 2 C Shaw 3 K Brown; 7 & 8 years, 1 B Sharp 2 C Walsh 3 S Brown; 9 & 10 years, 1 C Langhorn 2 S Bailey 3 G Bennett; 11 & 12 years, 1 H Yates 3 E Langhorn; 13 & 14 years, 1 J Golenya 2 A Stubbs 3 B Startin; 15 to 18 years, 1 E Clarke 2 R Bullough 3 J Fewer; Ladies 19 & over, 1 GH Clarke 2 T Squires 3 P Collett. Skipping race - 7 & 8 years, 1 C Walsh 2 R Winters 3 M Jewitt; 9 & 10 years, 1 C Laznghorn 2 C Clapham 3 S Bailey; 11 & 12 yeares, 1 J Scarth 2 S Moxon 3 A Stubbs; 13 & 14 years, no entries. Sack race - U11, 1 S Moxon 2 H Yates 3 A Nicklin; 11 and over, 1 J Lewis 2 J Goldenya 3 P Collett.

Boys & Girls: Slow bike race - any age, 1 C Boyes 2 M Shires 3 M Clapham.

Men: Flat race - 19 and over, 1 M Day 2 R Isaac.

Ladies: Flat race - 19 and over, 1 G Clarke 2 T Squires 3 P Collett.

The draw for the 100 club was awarded to Mr Miller and drawn by Councilor Nick Lajszczuk.

After all the awards there was plenty for everyone on the field from football, stocks, tombolas, greasy pole and much more.

My particular favourite was the excellent display given by the Xtreme Trials display team, Martin Crosswaite and Dan Clarke, who performed breathtaking stunts on their Trials Bikes. Martin Crosswaite was three times British Champion Gold medalist.

The evening closed with The Gala dance revival at the Institute with a show by Swinging Sue's Rock and Roll Dancing School.