PEOPLE from across the country gathered in a South Cumbria village for one of the most popular family events of the year.

With a wide variety of activities, stalls and attractions on offer, Kirkby Gala was a big hit for the whole family as people of all ages took part in the day’s activities.

As well as a martial arts display and a concert from the Kirkby Ukulele Band, the Gala offered a hog roast from Satty’s Faction caterers from Barrow.

Satty’s Faction has been at the event for four years and always enjoy a roaring trade.

“I think it’s the food that does it,” explained John Satterthwaite, owner of the company.

“It’s all handmade and uses locally sourced products.”

Other activities included a bouncy castle, real ale tent and fell running.

Five times champion, Ted Mason, 36, from Appletreewick, took the crown for the men’s race with a time of 31m59s but was in hot pursuit by Jack Smith, 22, from Haworth, and Joe Washington, 31, from Calder Valley.

Jean Powell, 47, from Freshfield in North Yorkshire, won the women’s race beating 64 year-old Wendy Dodds, from Milnthorpe, and 42-year-old Fionnuala Swann, from Trawden, to the post.

Children of ages took part in the fell running and other activities including four-year-old Ivan Winder who won the skittles.

Roger Rushton, vice-chairman of the Community Centre and member of the Gala committed, considered the event to be a huge success.

He said: “It went really well and I think we had even more people here than usual.

“It really helped that the weather changed at just the right time.”

Freddy Wayles, 83, born and bred in Kirkby, said: “I’ve lived in the village and worked for the village my whole life.

“It’s a lovely village and everyone goes out of their way to support it.”

Cash raised will go towards maintenance of the village’s community centre.

Mr Rushton continued: “We need to raise at least £2,000 but we’re hoping it will be as close to £3,000 as possible.” 

He finished: "The weather really helped - when it's nice what better place is there to be than Kirkby?"