CHEERING crowds lined the main road through Denholme as the circus rolled into the village.

A ringmaster and ‘lion’ – a Dogue de Bordeaux – led the annual children’s gala procession.

They were closely followed by Grandaddy and Nanny Trumbell, a clown and magic act from Blackpool.

Among those also in the parade were Halifax BB Brass Band, floats, fancy dress entrants, dance groups, the Scouts, classic cars and tractors and gala queen Hollie Robinson, with her attendants Neve Myers and Ava Toney.

Town mayor, Councillor Steve Nunn, judged the floats and fancy dress.

“They were all excellent and it was very hard to choose the winners,” he said.

First prize in the floats went to Denholme Toddlers, with the primary school second.

Fancy dress winners were Reggie and Sonny Banham, with Jacob Ward second and Lucy Ball third.

A host of activities was staged at the gala field.

There was a range of stalls and games.

Grandaddy and Nanny Trumbell entertained children in the main arena.

There were displays by Dance Factory and Luna Dance Academy.

A rodeo bull proved popular and a prize for the longest time 'on board' was won by Shaun Egerton, who managed three minutes and 22 seconds.

There was also a fun dog show with categories for the handsomest male, bonniest bitch and waggiest tail.

And a raffle, for which all prizes were donated, was a huge success.

Organisers said the circus theme had proved popular and they were delighted with the response to Saturday’s event.

“It was a fantastic day,” said Margaret Birch, for the organising team.

“The gala queen and her attendants looked beautiful, cheering crowds watched the procession, and the entertainment and displays on the field were excellent.

“The raffle was a great success, and each year we have more people entering their beloved pets in the dog show – it is great to see so many different breeds.”

She added: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in the event, all those who attended and everybody who gave their support.

“Every year, with that support, the gala gets bigger and better and long may this tradition continue.”