THE Keighley Friendly Society’s Gala was launched in 1877 with the object of raising funds towards a new cottage hospital.

Here in 1907, when Bridge Street jutted into High Street, its procession proceeds stoically through the rain.

Despite the weather, thousands turned out to watch, and nearly 200 children walked as nursery-rhyme or fancy-dress characters.

They are seen here in a procession “miserably spoiled by the watery elements”. Red Riding Hood was a favourite with the girls, Jack the Giant-Killer with the boys.

There was a Little Bo-Peep accompanied by real lambs and several Dick Whittingtons with real cats!

The procession itself included four brass bands and the Keighley and District and Craven Homing Societies with “1,000 pigeons for liberation”.

The 1907 event marked 30 years of annual galas, which had raised a total of £6,726 for the hospital, an average of £224 a year.

Unfortunately, largely because of the rain, 1907 could only contribute £50.

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