The heart of Baildon was awash with gleaming chrome as hordes of leather-clad bikers roared out of the village during a ride-out from the biggest rally of its kind in the country.

Organised by the Harley Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain, the Baildon Rally is held on a private site on Baildon Moor but the bikers' annual ride -out gives villagers a chance to see the American-made machines close up.

This year's rally, which ends today, has attracted several hundred bikers from throughout Europe and yesterday afternoon's event saw scores of them riding out to the Great Yorkshire Showground at Harrogate, where they appeared in the arena during an annual traction engine and steam festival.

And the big-hearted riders did not go empty handed, taking with them dozens of toys for use by youngsters at Leeds General Infirmary.

In Bingley residents got a taste of the seaside yesterday without having to move an inch. Landlord of the Old White Horse Inn, Bill McDermont, bought in 12 tonnes of sand to make a beach in the courtyard complete with paddling pools and buckets and spades.

Organiser Hazel Matthews said: "It's been really good, the place has been absolutely packed." The event was held to raise funds for the Millennium Scanner appeal.

In Bradford, the first Telegraph & Argus Funday scored a major success at the Quality Victoria Hotel with an estimated 1,500 visitors throughout the day.

Sponsored by Bradford Bulls, the event included exhibitions from Cool and Krazee in Idle and children's museum Eureka.

Events manager Jill Craige said: "It's been a fantastic day.

"We put on the event because so many parents don't know what to do on bank holiday weekends, so we wanted to put something on locally which was free."

At East Riddlesden Hall, near Keighley, visitors took a step back in time yesterday when they were given tours of the house by guides wearing period dress.

Spokesman for the hall Liz Houseman said: "The tours have been going on throughout the summer and are a way to give people information about the house as it was in the seventeenth century.

"Later on in the day the Arbeau Dancers will also be putting on a display of dancing from the period."

In Shipley, West Royd Residents Action Group threw a party for more than 100 children yesterday from proceeds generated by fund-raising.

The event took place between 12 noon and 6pm at Woodend Club, Windhill.

And it was a gardener's delight at Burley Middle School yesterday as the annual Burley Show and Display took place between 2.30 and 4.30pm.

A tallest sunflower competition was among classes at the show.

Meanwhile at Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam railway, youngsters were introduced to their favourite characters as a Friends of Thomas the Tank Engine day took place on Saturday and Sunday.

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