A RESILIENT band of workers braved the dismal weather to ensure Horton-in-Ribblesdale gala went ahead on Saturday.

The 30th annual gala promised to be one of the biggest and best, but sadly the organisers were not only let down by the weather, but also by human error.

Two of their biggest attractions failed to arrive - the gladiator eliminator activity centre and the light infantry display team - and neither let the organisers know beforehand.

The more reliable figures of Hawes Silver Band did arrive and duly led the gala procession through the village followed by the creative, colourful and amusing floats of the WI, the Middleton family and the combined talents of the Golden Lion and Horton football club.

The princesses and their retinues led the fancy dress entrants, who were both cold and wet by the time they reached the field. Tim Paul, of local radio station Fresh AM, opened the proceedings and crowned the princess, 14-year-old Leanne Rushforth, who was attended by Hannah Wood, Vicky Connaughton and Gemma Millman. Also taking centre stage was retiring princess Charlotte Middleton, with her retinue of Hope and Ethan Boocock and Walter Sutcliffe.

Chairman Chris Sutcliffe welcomed everyone, remarking the gala had a history of both good and bad days and it was wonderful to see people still supported the event on a bad day.

The fancy dress entrants moved to the welcome haven of the marquee for the judging by local GP Dr Bill Hall and Mr Paul. There were difficult decisions and it was hard to choose section winners, let alone an overall champion. However young Alan Newhouse was awarded the Walter Sutcliffe Memorial Trophy for his Jack of all trades. Special mention must go to the decorated bike section winner, Two Fat Ladies. Vicki Beresford and Carly Sunter were the two famous cooks and their amusing and clever interpretation brightened up the day.

The graceful members of the Craven Gym Club charmed everyone with a skilful display. Other athletes not to be deterred by a bit of rain were the footballers from various primary schools. They competed in a junior tournament which saw Kirkby Malham taking victory from runners-up Langcliffe.

Elsewhere on the field 99 competitors lined up for the Penyghent Fell Race. Race winner, and also reigning BOFRA champion, was Andy Wrench, of Todmorden. First local runner home was Antony Shepherd, of Settle Harriers.

Enjoying the rain and mud on the field were the mini motorbikes while the pony seemed happy giving a ride or two. There were also stalls, games, competitions, and delicious homemade refreshments.

Fifty or more brave souls returned to the marquee at night for a barbecue and disco by which time the monsoon season had kicked in with a vengeance. Streams cascaded through the marquee but the show went on. Talk was on next year's gala, the biggest and best. They're a resilient lot at Horton!

Results. Floats - 1 Golden Lion and Horton Football Club, Oliver Twist, 2 WI, Extraordinary women, 3 Middleton family, 10 in a bed. Under threes - 1 Zak Batty, Noddy, 2 Michael and Nicola Chapman, one man and his dog, 3 Georgia Holgate, I'm not a pest (ladybird). Four to six years - 1 Jessica Lambert, Horton dragon, 2 Kerry Holgate, good fairy, 3 Daniel Sedgewick, Danny the clown. Seven to nine years - 1 (and Walter Sutcliffe Memorial Trophy) Alan Newhouse, Jack of all trades, 2 Charlotte Lambert, butterfly, 3= Sarah Metcalfe, millennium gypsy, Rachel Sutcliffe, luck's on my side. 10 to 17 years - 1 Hannah Swainson, queen of hearts, 2 Samuel Davis, Blackbeard the pirate. 18 and over - 1 Paula Swainson, game for anything, 2 mark Humphrey, one man and his dog. Decorated prams and bikes - 1 Vicki Beresford and Carly Sunter, Two Fat Ladies. Groups - 1 The Milldam tribe, North American Indians, 2 Ryan Middleton, Andrew Jackson and Jordan Dickinson, rub a dub dub, three men in a tub, 3 Phoebe and Mercedes Stephenson, Grime Watch UK.

Fell race - 1 Andy Wrench, Todmorden 49.23, 2 David Hinchcliffe, Longwood 50.57, 3 Jason Helmsley, Pudsey and Bramley 51.22.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.