The sun shone and the crowds turned out in force at Horsforth Gala on Saturday.

Despite the heat, the gala parade, headed by the City of Leeds Pipe Band, managed to break all the records and arrive in the park 15 minutes early.

Gala queen, Lucy Frost followed the band in an open topped sports car flanked by two maids of honour.

Three schools took part in the parade and fancy dress competition.

Featherbank Infants had a first man on the moon theme while Newlaithes Primary depicted healthy living and West End Lane Primary School based their entry on recycling to save the planet.

The judges praised all of the competitors and chose West End Lane as the winners. A collection was held along the route in aid of Martin House Hospice, and their representative, Stuart Andrew, was one of the judges.

Large crowds enjoyed the increased number of stalls and attractions – totalling almost 50 – with the static display of birds of prey being the clear favourite.

One of the organisers, Neil Hunt, said: “Starlight Academy and Carroll’s School of Dance both put on superb displays, despite the heat, easily worthy of a finals spot on Britain’s Got Talent.

“Percy the remote control police car wowed the youngsters who were also treated to a double helping from Steve, the juggler, balloon modeller and general children’s entertainer.

“Two flying displays from the falconry team – led by Jean Pierre – entertained enormously but not, perhaps, quite as planned with two of the birds making a bee line for the park’s abundant supply of trees.

“Both returned to their handlers eventually, the heat making things quite difficult for the birds who obviously preferred the shelter of the trees to the heat of the arena on this occasion.”