Mr Noah, God and a cast of thousands!

Balloons, party poppers, Mr Noah and God - oh, and a cast of thousands too - well, at least 150. What was it? The annual summer concert presented by the orchestra and choir of All Saints Junior School.

Friends and families crowded into the church for a superb evening's entertainment. Music from the orchestra, prior to the welcome given by the vicar, the Rev Graham Buttanshaw, gave an inkling of what we were in for.

Each part of the orchestra presented items, the wind group, learner clarinets, flutes, violins and brass group giving a varied selection of music, from classical to Gilbert and Sullivan, from jazz to a touch of Mexican, from the Beatles to a jig.

The grand finale of the first half was taken from the 1812 overture. We didn't have cannons and fireworks, but we did have balloons and party poppers distributed throughout the audience and these added to the carnival effect.

The last night of the Proms came early to Otley. A strong feature of this event is always the support given by former pupils who return to join in the music.

Polished Brass, led by Robert Outtersides got the second half off to a good start. Then, the choir and orchestra joined forces to present the musical Rock the Boat by Sheila Wilson.

Corrine Latham was narrator, John Parkin was God and Tony Beck was Mr Noah in this story of the flood.

To great effect too, as torrential rain accompanied the singers and musicians. As always the choir sang with clarity and obvious enjoyment, under the watchful eye of the enthusiastic Robert Outtersides.

The orchestra too managed to keep one eye on him and one eye on their music, producing some excellent sounds.

Mrs Latham expressed thanks to all those involved in the production of the concert, pupils past and present, peripatetic music teachers and school staff and especially to Mr and Mrs Outtersides, Mrs Beck and Mr Skerratt.

Money raised has been divided between the school and the parish church East Window Appeal Fund.