TACKLING a subject which would probably be frowned upon nowadays, the photographer of this postcard gathered together all the children in Sutton Park on a summer day between the wars, to capture this crowded view of the paddling pool.

Sutton Park and recreation ground had been opened on a July Saturday in 1912, thanks to benefactions of land and money from mill-owners John William Hartley and James Bairstow.

It was a beautiful day, with the Kildwick Brass Band leading a procession and the park presenting "quite an attractive and inviting appearance, notwithstanding its newness".

Mrs James Bairstow officially opened the park, and Sir John Horsfall its bowling green.

Later additions included a maypole in 1922 and eight lime trees to commemorate the 1937 coronation of George VI.

An excellent history of Sutton Park, One of the Gems, was published by local historian the late Doris Riley in 1984. She tells how in 1919 it was allocated a Great War trophy in the shape of a German field gun. "Sited near the paddling pool," she recorded, "children had great fun climbing over it."

The photograph has been supplied by Mr Kevin Seaton, of Shann Lane, Keighley.