Spenborough athletics stadium thronged to the beat of marching bands during the North of England Open Championships at the weekend.

Around 800 youngsters trooped around the track at the newly re-opened Princess Mary Stadium in Liversedge as 20 bands competed in the event which included a performance by the Dublin-based festival band Tallaugh.

The championship was just part of a packed weekend of events in the district.

Keighley Show, one of the biggest events of its kind in the country, had more on offer than ever before.

Ferret racing, a dog agility display and a baby show competition were some of the highlights of yesterday's event.

The show had the traditional fare of livestock, horticulture and handicraft displays with vintage tractors and engines and a display marking 50 years of the Land Rover.

Entertainment was also provided by the Haworth Band and an owl show.

Meanwhile, vintage transport buffs were in seventh heaven yesterday at the third annual Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza.

More than 160 vehicles were on display, brought to the market town by enthusiasts throughout Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Among the vehicles on show were a five-ton Fowler steam tractor, heavy and light commercial vehicles, classic and vintage cars, motorbikes and static engines.

Other attractions included children's rides, bands, trade stands and a car boot sale.

A series of arena events were also lined up and included displays by the Arizona Line Dancers and the Bernese mountain dogs team with music from the Bradford Youth Concert Band and the Otley Bell Orchestra.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Yorkshire-based Hang on to a Dream charity, which helps make dreams come true for terminally and seriously ill youngsters.

Other events over the weekend included the Baildon Horticultural Society annual show, the Bentham Show, Skipton Gardeners' Show and the Shipley and District Horticultural Society annual show.

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