DESPITE an unpromising start to the day the Addingham Gala was once again bathed in glorious sunshine for the popular annual event.

This year the theme for the Gala was The World of Children's Literature and the day started with the competition for the best dressed house frontage.

Although the weather had perhaps deterred some of the residents from entering, the quality of the entrants more than made up for the quantity.

Judge Ann Cryer MP was clearly impressed by the effort and creativity of the house decorators. Winning the prize for the best dressed house was The Terraces at the top of Main Street where the story of Alice in Wonderland was delightfully illustrated. Particularly ingenious was the smoking caterpillar perched atop a mushroom with real smoke.

The Good Food Shop Deli won the best business frontage, telling the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, complete with golden eggs, a giant and magic jelly beans.

The parade this year was lead by the stirring sight of a group of nine pipers in full highland regalia and led by Ken Pickles.

Gala Queen Katherine Robinson and her attendants Sam Burton, Katie Doherty, Rosie Cuffe and James Beecroft sat amongst flowers and shrubs on their float, in a representation of The Secret Garden.

One of the organisers, Rebecca Carter said: "There was a wonderful array of costumes from village organisations, representing playgroups and nurseries, Cubs, Beavers, Scouts and Brownies, Addingham Primary school, Addingham Drama group, Aireville Samba Band and the ATC band."

Judged by children's author Anita Ganeri, the prize for the best float went to Addingham Drama Group for their wonderful Toy town car, complete with a splendid Noddy and Big Ears.

The Best Walking group was Addingham Pre-school playgroup who were all cleverly transformed in green tee-shirts and green hair and carrying a long length of hose pipe to be the Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Mrs Carter said: "A sudden sharp downpour at the beginning of the parade increased the anxiety of the crowds but finally, as the procession reached the damp field the villagers who had turned out in spite of the weather, were rewarded as the sun came out and stayed out.

"The field was packed and villagers enjoyed the bands and side shows, story telling, a climbing wall, bonny baby and pet competitions, in what felt like the first sunshine of Summer. The Tug of War competition again proved a brilliant spectacle."

This year the pub teams were augmented by the Young Farmers and Addingham PTA and after a round robin competition the Lothersdale Young Farmers team was victorious.

Mrs Carter said: "Roger Ingham's commentary kept the day going at a cracking pace and children were heard clanking about the field under great weights of medals won during the races.

"Cream teas were enjoyed on the field and in the Memorial Hall, which had fully entered the spirit of the day, decorated with literary quotations and pictures about Green Eggs and Ham' and lashings of ginger beer.' Craft competition entries were admired in the marquee and children and toddlers bounced on inflatables, swung on swings and rode the little train.

Organisers, led by committee chairman Angela Hutton, were very pleased that the event had once again been so successful in providing a memorable community occasion which raised money for local organisations.