CROWDS enjoyed the sunshine at the annual Colne Gala as the event celebrated its 58th anniversary.

Thousands of adults and children descended on the streets of the town to catch a glimpse of a host of weird and wonderful floats in Saturday’s procession.

Spectators also got the chance to witness daredevil stunt team The Stannage International Stunt Team perform some extreme stunts later on.

With temperatures reaching 24C in East Lancashire, people enjoyed a variety of other events including the Queen and Princess presentations, a park run, tug of war and majorettes presentation.

Music throughout the day came from local bands including the Rossendale-based ‘Water Brass Band’ and Jake and the Thundercats.

Dance came from Colne-based Helen Green Dance, while the Colne’s Got Talent Finals also took place.

Kelly Howard, whose group from Colne FC juniors had a float in the procession, said: “We had children aged 4 to 16 from our junior team on a float which had a load of football nets and red and white flags on it.

“We were also the winning group in the procession for the second year in a row.

“The event was really fantastic and all the kids enjoyed it.

“It’s great seeing them with smiles on their faces and it’s why we decided to come back this year.

“The streets were heaving with people, and it was as if the whole of Colne had come out for the day.”