This year’s Riddlesden Gala broke records on a day blessed by sweltering weather.

The event on Saturday saw the longest procession through Riddlesden for many years.

More people are believed to have gone through the gates of St Mary’s Primary School than ever before.

And the gala is likely to have raised more money for charity than at any time in the event’s 22-year history.

Organisers said this week they had raised at least £2,500 for the Martin House children’s hospice.

Once all the bills have been paid the committee of volunteers hopes to have topped £3,000.

As usual the procession began at Barley Cote, at the top of Riddlesden, and journeyed down to Bradford Road then on to the school grounds.

Gala chairman Geoffrey Baldwin said the procession was so long that when the front reached the main road the back was still high above on Banks Lane.

He said: “The day was extremely successful. To say there’s a credit crunch we’ve almost certainly made a record profit.

“The gala was exceptionally busy. We probably had a record crowd — I don’t think I’ve seen so many people through the gates.”

The procession was led by Darwen Brass, a band booked at the last minute last year but so popular it was asked to return.

Both Darwen Brass and Silsden All Stars Majorettes took part in the procession and performed later in the gala arena.

Taking part in the procession were Ilkley Road Methodist Church Sunday School, St Mary’s Primary School, Bramble Hedge nursery and Jelly Tots toddlers group.

Ilkley theatre group Upstagers joined the procession then performed highlights from Oliver! in the school.

A demonstration by Riddlesden Tennis Club members proved popular, with many children trying their hand at the game.

There was also a demonstration by the Mirage Belly Dancers, who later invited gala goers to join in.

Arena attractions included stalls, a children’s roundabout, slide, bouncy castle and the Keighley Model Engineers’ railway track.

Mr Baldwin wants to thank the many people who came forward to organise the gala or help on the actual day.

He said: “We had an amazing response this time.”

Group fancy dress winner was Ilkley Road Sunday School with “Pack of Cards”.

Individual fancy dress winners were: 1 Jonathan Morgan (Tin Man), 2 Jacob Haigh (Batman), 3 Jack Colin Wilson-Humphrey (Pirate).