It's party time in Gawthorpe
Thousands took to the streets of Gawthorpe as an age-old village tradition was celebrated for the 136th time.
Community groups and local figures paraded through the streets on decorated floats for the annual maypole procession.
The crowning of this year's May Queen, 15-year-old Robyn Simister, opened the festivities.
She then led the procession on its four-and-a-half mile route from an open-topped car, joined by maids of honour and hundreds of revellers in fancy dress.
Local bands, including The Flying Seamen, Braziloco and Gawthorpe Brass 85, provided music on the move from their floats.
And pupils from Gawthorpe Community Primary School got everyone moving with some maypole dancing on the village green.
At a presentation ceremony, the Gawthorpe Maypole Nursery and Ossett Albion Girls football floats, along with a Royal Air Force themed float, were recognised as the three best efforts.
A cheeky elf, Marge Simpson and Granny Gaga won prizes for their fancy dress stylings.
And a funfair with rides and games kept local youngsters entertained all afternoon.
Susan Walshaw, president of the Gawthorpe Maypole Committee, said: "It has been great to see so many people keeping the tradition going.
"The rain stayed off and we had some fantastic floats."
Coun Terry Brown said: "This is a great tradition and I was very proud to be part of the procession. Everyone has had a brilliant day."
Brenda Kerr, girls development officer at Ossett Albion, was delighted
that her group's float had made the winning three.
She said: "There were so many good floats that took part and we couldn't believe it when we were announced third place.
"It let us promote girls football in the local area and gave our players a great day out at the same time."
Despite attracting so much attention locally, the maypole event has struggled for funding in recent years.
Sally Mastronardi, a student from Chickenley, has attended for several years and has produced a book of photographs from the event as part of her university course.
She said: "Many people who stood outside to enjoy the day would not even donate a pound for the programme, and that is very sad.
"The committee should be recognised for all their hard work and dedication. It would be terrible to lose a tradition like this."
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Weather for Wakefield
Saturday 19 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
