This year's Keighley Festival was back on form and ended up the best ever, say organisers.

Glorious weather, good financial planning and high attendances ensured the nine-day event went without a hitch.

Even the Mela, focus of the previous year's difficulties, attracted a record attendance and praise from the community.

Festival chairman Peter Halliwell makes the claims in his annual report to Keighley Area Panel, which provides the bulk of festival funding.

Panel staff worked closely with the festival committee this year to ensure there was no repeat of the previous year's financial situation.

A Bradford council investigation showed that although money was spent correctly during the 2000 festival, proper receipts were not kept for the Mela.

This year's festival received £14,300 from the government and ended with a surplus of £2,257, which will go towards planning next year's event.

The festival committee, made up entirely of volunteers, also worked with more local groups this year to ensure there was wider participation.

Mr Halliwell reports that there were more than 50 separate events catering for all ages and walks of life.

He says: "With such a diverse programme, there was something for everyone. The events enjoyed glorious weather and attendances, along with a few surprises."

Key events were the return of model boat regattas to Keighley Tarn, the massive Sportkarnival at Oakbank Sports College, and the Mela in Victoria Park.

Mr Halliwell says: "There was a very good atmosphere generated over the Mela weekend, and a lot of benefit from all parts of the different communities celebrating.

"The Sportkarnival was a tremendous success by bringing all the local sporting talent together.

"It was the first time something this huge has been attempted. Next year who knows how big it will be?"

Mr Halliwell's report and the festival's audited accounts will be presented to Keighley Area Panel next Wednesday.

Panel chairman Cllr David Emmott says the this year's festival was phenomenally successful. "They had the best weather and great events," he adds.