What a day! The sun shone and everyone came out to support the Cross Roads Golden Jubilee Gala 2002 with huge enthusiasm all round.

Lees School field looked wonderful with more flags than ever before. The procession assembled at Nelson's Transport yard and started at 1.30pm.

The Jazz Band led all with the great sound of Trad Jazz reaching the watchers further along the road to herald the procession.

The 8th Keighley (Cross Roads) Scout Group with Beavers, Cubs and Scouts were all marching well and waving flags, and the Gala King, Queen and retinue followed on their splendidly trimmed float. Staff at Lees Primary School had put a white and gold float together with all the youngsters looking absolutely great. St James' Toddler Praise glided smoothly along next, courtesy of Mark Pedley's very smart limousine.

Lees Toddlers and Playgroup had totally gone to town on the fancy dress. Union Jack faces and costumes abounded.

Continuing the patriotic theme, the 120 members of the Cross Roads Junior Football Club had gone for the first-ever performance of 'England and Cross Roads for ever!' song.

The Lees School Float really was a sight to behold! How many crowns, union flags and lions can one truck carry? Their music was very stirring too with strains of 'Land of Hope and Glory' and 'Jerusalem' floating along.

Next came Haworth Riding for the Disabled Group with rider and pony. Two vintage tractors chugged along next, and, again, flags were flying proudly.

On the events field, organisations on the stalls were in for a good day with funds raised reaching towards record levels. These included St James' Church, Lees Methodist Church Sunday School (for NCH, National Children's Homes), Haworth Cat Rescue, Cross Roads JFC, Friends of Lees School (FoLees), the Keighley Scout Band, and the Cross Roads Scout Group.

The Gala King, Queen and attendants (these were Lees Primary School pupils: Queen, Fay Daniel; King, Kieran Clayton; Attendants, Toni-Lea Nettleton, Amy Hart, Rhys Hart, Jonathan Corcoran, Emily Reynolds and Lauren Hodgson) officially opened the event.

The first set of the afternoon was performed by the Jazz Band and were followed by the St Louis Zipper Band.

The children's entertainer, Hedley Fawcett, again produced his magic. He finished his first performance with a flourish of flags, and more flags, until they were displayed several feet high. This led nicely into the 'Jubilee Street Party' in the field.

A line of tables was successfully filled by youngsters all tucking into their Jubilee Bags and taking their gift bags away.

The FoLees had two of the biggest attractions with the Young Farmers' 'Chuck 'em and Duck 'em' stool and tank, and the Burnley and Pendle Miniature Railway Society chugging up and down their track giving rides all afternoon.

The Cross Roads JFC 'Beat the Goalie' was also inundated both to kick, and to be goalie! Gala Committee Barbecue and refreshments stalls were in the school yard.

Huge thanks to the small army of helpers and organisers who are absolute stars putting in such effort. Many thanks too to the contributors of prizes to the Prize Draw - what would we do without you! Special mention too to the 'flag-man' in Keighley.