A PARADE led by the impressive Sedbergh Town Band marked the opening of the 51st annual Sedbergh Gala on Saturday.

The procession left Maryfell and arrived at Lupton Field where an afternoon of fun was enjoyed by more than 2,000 people.

John Davis, chairman of the organising committee, said: "It is a very complicated event so you always expect some last minute glitches but everything went really well.

"We always get tremendous support from the people of Sedbergh and there is never a shortage of people to help out."

Festivities included music, a tug of war, a dog show, donkey rides, mini motorbikes, archery, Maypole dancing, bouncy castles, Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, laser Clay Pigeon shooting and children's sports.

The senior fell race to the top of Winder and back was won by Keswick Athletic Club's Carl Bell in a time of 19:42. In the opening fixture of the British Open Fell Runners Association calendar, Bell was followed by Jack Smith, of Wharfedale Harriers and Alastair Dunn, of Kendal's Helm Hill.

The first female home was Emma Hopkinson, of Wharfedale Harriets, who crossed the line in 25:28. Helm Hill's Hannah Russell was hot on her heels and completed the course in 26:08.

Wharfedale Harriers made the headlines again when Thomas Nelson won the u17 race while Joe Hudson, of Keighley and Craven secured a win in the u14 category and Kendal Amateur Athletic Club's Fraser Sproul took the top honours in the u12 race.