RIBCHESTER residents were determined not to let rain stop play as they turned out in style to make sure the village's 55th annual Field Day event was a fabulous affair.

Despite persistent rain for much of Saturday, the villagers were out in force as a colourful parade, accompanied by three bands, wound its way round the streets.

Ribchester Morris dancers also took part in the parade, which featured entries ranging from giant themed floats to individual fancy dress.

A new addition this year was a man on giant stilts - none other than Dangerous Steve - addressing the crowds in his role as Major Long. He later performed stunts in the arena.

David Smith, Field Day chairman, thanked everyone for their support and also those who had braved the poor weather.

He said: "The parade was fantastic and I applaud every single person who entered. Clearly an awful lot of planning has gone in."

The parade was followed by the crowning of Field Day Queen Danielle Jackson by retiring queen Millie Clash at the village's recreation ground. Danielle's attendants were Madison Kilshaw-Seal, Abigail Cronshaw, Alice Walsh, Lily Whiteside, Tianie Riding and page boys were Finley Bretherton and William Jackson.

There was plenty to entertain visitors including numerous side stalls, a marquee with several competitive classes and eye-catching displays by RAGS (The Ribchester Allotment and Garden Society), the WI, Ribchester Tennis Club and the Ribchester Festival, as well as a bumper tombola.

The refreshment tent was well stocked with home made cakes and biscuits and a pop up pizza stand also sustained Field Day goers. The day time entertainments culminated in well contested children's races .

In the evening there was a family night out with ceilidh band Frolicking Pete and the Fumbling Fingers.

Sunday saw a more leisurely pace with an afternoon tea party for village residents.

The weekend events had opened with a Friday night curtain raiser - a cabaret performance entitled It's That Show Again by locally founded theatre company Ribcaged which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Planning will start soon for next year's event and anyone interested in joining the Field Day Committee should contact the chairman.