FIFTY mile per hour winds and power supply problems failed to deter visitors to Rawdon Fun Day.

The event, on Saturday, fell foul of bad weather again - a year after it was hit by heavy downpours.

A spokesman said: "After last year’s mud and torrential rain, it was once again blighted by extreme weather conditions and intermittent power supply problems, but in true Yorkshire spirit all the volunteers soldiered on, the crowds turned out and a good time was had by all.

"Strong winds meant that stalls could not have gazebos and two of the main marquees costing around £2,000 were badly damaged. Nevertheless, the attractions of stupendous motorcycle stunt riders Flyin Ryan and the Birds of Prey display carried on regardless, as did loyal supporters Starlight Dance, the majorettes and cheerleader group, and three local bands in the evening. There was even a stilt walker on a field in 50 mph winds."

Organisers also praised the student ambassadors from Leeds Trinity University who did an 'amazing' job manning the barbecue despite losing their marquee.

And the event still managed to make a profit despite the wild weather.

The spokesman said: "The final total has yet to be checked, but the event was a financial success following last year’s disappointing loss. The committee would like to thank all the volunteers for their time commitment and hard work, and hanging on to guy ropes, and the crowds who came along to support what is a fantastic community day.

"The Fun Day supports the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and local charities and is organised and run totally by volunteers. If anyone has any contacts for replacement marquees, or you are able to volunteer for future events, please can you email the Chairman, Mark Smithson, at ms@smithsonfinancial.com"

Rawdon Fun Day was set up by a group of friends to support charities which had helped local people. Since 2010 the event has raised more than £65,000.

The 2015 Welly Wanging Champions were Richard Slatcher and Ginny Whittaker. They received their prize from Pudsey MP Stuart Andrew, who is himself a past winner.

There was better weather for a day of sports and games enjoyed by 1,000 people in Otley's Wharfemeadows Park on Sunday.

The event saw park visitors of all ages encouraged to try everything from cycling and hockey to boxing, athletics and football.

Running and tug-of-war battles also proved popular, to the delight of organisers Sport Chevin - the campaign aiming to create a £5 million, multi-sports centre on fields near the park.

Steering group chairman Tony Walker said: "It was a great sporting fun day with loads of children trying new sports.

"Estimates suggest we had about one thousand people altogether which is very pleasing, and we raised about £800.

"We have also grown the brand of Sport Chevin and more people now understand what we are trying to do.

"This event showed that on a nice summer's day we can attract one thousand people to play various sports, but where do they go in winter?

"We need community sports facilities and we would ask the authorities and wider community to proactively support our aims."

A number of residents voiced their appreciation afterwards online.

Paula Frazer, posting on the Otley - The Community We Live In Facebook page, said: "What a fabulous day!

"The weather was wonderful, great food from the Yorkshire Pit and so many happy people enjoying all the sporting events.

"Well done Tony Walker and team!"

Jan Till echoed those sentiments: "Hope this event gets bigger each year - it's great to see the children trying out different sports."

More details about Sport Chevin can be found at http://www.sportchevin.uk .

*All photographs of Rawdon Fun Day were taken by KSR Digital Photography.