SEDBERGH became an outpost of the Wild West as townsfolk flocked to their annual gala, complete with saloon bar and bucking bronco.

Rain cleared just in time for the procession that accompanied gala queen Jessica Orr and her attendants to the gala field, where Jessica was crowned. Town crier Dennis Whicker led the parade of children in fancy dress on the theme Wild West in the Western Dales. They were joined by retiring gala queen Bethany Handley and Sedbergh's retained firefighters.

Large crowds who thronged through the gates enjoyed circus workshops, donkey rides, jousting, children's sports, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling displays, egg throwing, an artisan market, coconut shy and live music from Sedbergh Town Band.

Zac Hall won best decorated vehicle in the fancy dress competition, while the Mitchell family and Sedbergh Primary School topped the group categories.

Fell races organised by the British Open Fell Runners Association took place all afternoon with the senior race won by Barnoldswick's James Craig (19-53) who overtook Helm Hill's Tom Addison (20-15) on the descent. Howgill's Heidi Dent (22-30) won the ladies' race and was ninth overall.

Kendal's Fraser Sproul won the U14 race and Ambleside's James Bowen was victorious in the U12 event.

Sedbergh Primary School youngsters also competed in their football and rounders tournament finals.

Meanwhile, in the saloon bar, Dent Brewery beer and home-made cakes were served, and local bands Lynchpin, Triadic, Rawthey Rhythm and The Ginger Dog Blues Band entertained.

Gala chairman Margie McVoy thanked all the volunteers who made the event possible, and also Sedbergh School for loaning the field.