RAIN on Sedbergh’s parade was met with smiles and laughter as hundreds flocked to the town’s annual gala.

Locals and visitors refused to let the weather spoil the day as they joined in with the 49th annual event.

“It was very wet,” said chairman John Davis. “But we actually had a ball.”

The gala began with a parade from Maryfell, led by the town band.

Gala Queen Leanne Poslethwaite joined the procession, followed by a plethora of colourful floats and displays – all on this year’s ‘princes and princesses’ theme.

The parade progressed to Lupton Field, where those in attendance were met with an array of activities and attractions for all ages including a bouncy castle, laser clay pigeon shooting, paint balling, local food and drink and birds of prey and alpacas.

The senior fell race to the top of Winder and back was won by Staveley’s Rob Jebb in 19.38. He was just 13 seconds adrift of the record set by Helm Hill’s Alastair Dunn who this year had to settle for second place but was first V40. Helm Hill’s Billy Procter was first V50 in tenth. First lady was Ambleside’s Hazel Robinson who was 21st in 25.37.

Helm Hill’s Chris Richards (13.45) won the U17 race and first lady was Ilkley’s Lucy Harrison. Keighley and Craven’s James Lund led home the 14 race and first girl was Helm Hill’s Imogen Burrow.

The U12 race was won by Kendal’s Fraser Sproul and Keighley & Craven’s Katie Atkinson was first girl.

The gala, which began in 1963, came under threat in 2011 as the committee struggled to find a chairman, secretary and funding.

But it was able to continue and will celebrate its 50th birthday next May – having been cancelled in 2001 due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

Mr Davis added: “We are very much looking forward to next year.”