Boyhood memories of a Bingley village gala have spurred a 25-year-old entrepreneur to help this year's show become a soaring success.

Dressing up as a clown for East Morton gala's fancy-dress parade was the highlight of Matthew Dobbins' summer in 1981.

And now 21 years later he has joined forces with the show's organisers to make this Saturday's event something children will remember for years to come.

Mr Dobbins said he decided to help out after reading in the Telegraph & Argus that the event could be cancelled because of apathy in the village.

"I have fond memories of the gala from when I was a child and would love to see it back on its feet," said Mr Dobbins, who grew up in East Morton.

"I used to love going on the rides and the greasy pole, but these sort of things aren't attractive these days.

"Youngsters want more exciting things so I decided to do something about it.

"It could be such a great event but people in the village need to be a bit more enthusiastic."

As managing director of Atkinson's Kitchens and Bathrooms in Bradford, Mr Dobbins' company has funded the expenses for Team Extreme, a stunt-riding team who will perform on the day.

Martin Crosswaite, 22, of Bingley, who runs the team, has given his services for free - a day's display would normally cost £1,1000 - and has built a set of dragon's teeth on which he will do stunts.

This is the gala's 40th year and will start with a procession of colourful floats - led by Huddersfield Brass Band - from Studley Close at 1.30pm.

The parade will make its way to the recreation ground opposite the Busfeild Arms where activities, including a fancy dress contest, children's races and tug of war, from 2pm.

Gill Clarke, one of the gala committee members, said it is an essential part of village life and hopes more people get involved in future events.

"It's a children's thing and it's something that is not happening much now days," she said. "We hope the young families will enjoy the day and want to continue with it."