EARLY rain threatened to disrupt Ingleton's annual gala on Saturday until the village's spirit and the sun shone through.

A colourful gala parade, led by the Batala Band, lifted the mood as it wended its way through the village to the sports field.

On arrival Culain Wood read out a poem he had written about Ingleton. Culain then ran a poetry workshop during the course of the afternoon.

Gala queen Caitlin Ellershaw was crowned by the retiring queen Olivia Howson. Caitlin was attended by Kathryn Robinson, Lottie Ellershaw, Minnie Trotter, Lucy Williams, Emily Gowland, Leila Stronach and page boy Harley Bryan.

Around the field visitors enjoyed stalls including Ranger Rob's animal experience, Cairo Rapture and hook a duck. There were also bouncy castles, a ducking stool manned by Burton Young Farmers, an inflatable assault course as well as a bucking bronco.

There was much interest in a picture timeline of all the Gala queens from 1964 to the present day.

Food and drink was available to buy on the field supplied by the local theatre group, the badminton club and the cricket club as well as a bar run by Barrett events. Homemade cakes and sandwiches were also available in the community centre provided by the Ingleborough WI group.

There was also a visit from the fire service and their mascot Welephant.

The crowds were kept entertained in the centre ring by displays from the Batalla Band and the village band as well as the children’s sports and the very popular egg throwing competition.

The mountain race to the top of Ingleborough and back was organised by Settle Harriers and it was won by Hector Haines of Hunter's Bogtrotters in 48-02 who was followed over the line by his team mate Murray Strain (48-12) and Horwich's Nick Leigh (49-56).

The first lady home was Keighley and Craven's Linda Hardaker in 1-00-06 ahead of Ilkley's Kate Archer (1-00-21) and Harrogate's Helen Price (1-07-15).

The fancy dress prizes were awarded as follows: Groups: 1 Superheroes (the Scout leaders); 2 Clown Party; 3 Ingleton in Bloom Group. Floats: 1 Save our Seas; 2 Wizard of Oz; 3 Craven Wanderers. Pretty: 1 Toy Story; 2 Ingleton in Bloom; 3 Little Mermaid. Comic: 1 Box of Sweets; 2 The Dalek; 3 Playmobil. Original: 1 We will Remember you; 2 Eton Mess; 3 RSPCA.