BLAZING hot weather welcomed hundreds of people to this year's Cowling Gala.

Organisers of the popular event, dubbed Tour de Cowling for 2014, said last Saturday's (July 26) occasion had been extremely well attended. They thanked everyone who had contributed to making the gala such a success.

The event featured a procession through the village to the recreation ground, where the public were treated to a variety of entertainment, refreshments and other attractions.

Among the groups taking part in the parade were drummers, a bagpiper, a selection of vintage vehicles and majorettes.

At the recreation field there was a stunt bike display, family sports, a fell race, clay pigeon shooting, children's fairground rides and live music.

There was a fitness demonstration and competitions for best procession floats, best fancy dress costume and most creative handicrafts. The judging was done at Cowling Primary School.

Other attractions included a bouncy castle, a baby show, mini motorbikes and sumo suit wrestling.

An official gala opening was staged at 2pm, with the event launched by the 2014 Gala Queen Gaby OToole.

Cowling village correspondent Kathryn Wilson said: "It was a fantastic event, and there was a very good turnout. It was blazing hot all day."

Cowling Gala Competition results:

ART ENTRY

5yrs and under

1. Molly Raynsford, 2. Joseph Smith, 3. Lydia Smith

6-7 yrs

1.Rosie Snell, 2. Darcey Haigh, 3. Emily Bachelor

8-9 yrs

1. Beatrice Trowers, 2. Marie Carter-Guschal, 3. Saskia Daly

10-11yrs

1. Daisy Toothill, 2. Gaby O’Toole, 3. Mollie White

WRITTEN ENTRY

5yrs and under

1. Sam Boucher, 2. Lydia Smith, 3. Molly Raynsford

6-7yrs

1. Kate Boucher, 2. Isla McGill, 3. Benjamin Middleton

8-9 yrs

1. Beatrice Trowers, 2. Saskia Daly, 3. Molly Rowe/Thomas Booker

10-11yrs

1. Jack Lucas, 2. Lola Devynck, 3. Lucy Coates

Overall Child Handicraft: Beatrice Trowers

Overall Adult baking: Mrs S Riley

Overall Handicraft Trophy: C Lawrence

Baby Show winner: Melissa Waite

Dog show winner: Elvis the puppy with Mr O'Toole

Garden Competition Overall Winner: Sheila Coldwell

Clay pigeon shoot: Overall winner John Varley, Best local John Varley, Under 16 winner Charlotte Brown