Charities are to receive no cash pay out from this year's Keighley Gala.

The millennium extravaganza -- the 124th annual gala -- was hit by torrential rain.

Evening activities were curtailed and the fireworks display had to be hurriedly rearranged. Following the June event organisers warned that it could struggle to break even.

And this week the gala committee -- which over the years has seen many thousands of pounds raised for local causes -- confirmed its worst fears.

Secretary Joyce Ashworth says: "The bad weather affected the attendance at this year's event. As a result the gala incurred a slight loss, so committee members regret there will be no donations to voluntary groups this time."

But plans are already in hand for the next gala -- on June 2, 2001 -- and organisers hope the 125th-anniversary event will be extra special.

Anyone with ideas or who would like to help on the day is invited to attend the gala committee's annual meeting, at Keighley's Community Transport offices, on October 18, at 8pm.

For further details contact Mrs Ashworth on 01535 605816 or chairman Brian Hudson on 01535 604379.