Organisers of Silsden’s annual gala have hailed it as the best yet.

Hundreds of people from the town and the surrounding areas lined the streets cheering as the event’s largest-ever procession of floats moved up Kirkgate and on to Briggate on Sunday.

Money was collected from applauding spectators as they filed into Silsden Park to enjoy a medley of activities, rides, competitions, food and drink in the carnival atmosphere.

There, gala queen Lauren Smith, 11, was crowned.

Silsden All Star Majorettes treated the crowd to an impressive performance, while the Eclipse jazz band got people up dancing.

The Robin Hood pub team was victorious over the King’s Arms in the tug-of-war competition and children could enjoy a falconry display and riding on donkeys and mini motorbikes.

Silsden Gala committee chairman Chris Atkinson, also a Silsden town councillor, said: “When the gala started four years ago its aim was to get people out of their houses on to the streets, enjoying themselves as part of a community again.

“On Sunday they certainly did that. A large percentage of the town was there and I think we have raised the most funds yet.

“I don’t think we could have done any better. Everybody pulled together to put on a really good do and I would like to thank everyone involved for that.”

The gala committee was initially formed with the aim of raising funds for a new bandstand in Silsden Park and with £12,000 now in the kitty the team is just awaiting planning permission to go ahead with the project. “The funds from this year’s gala will go towards putting on next year’s and also, we think, on buying more festive lights to put up around the town at Christmas.

“What is raised in Silsden will stay in Silsden,” Cllr Atkinson said.