GLADIATOR jousting contests, dance displays and sports competitions were just some of the highlights of this year's Barrow Island Gala.

Families flocked to Cavendish Park today and yesterday to enjoy fun activities and to take part in junior rugby and football.

Barrow Island Community Sports Trust hosted the gala, which only returned last year after a decade-long hiatus.

Read a report of last year's gala here

Carnival-style attractions such as bouncy castles and slides proved popular among the children attending.

Rob McAloone, acting secretary of Barrow Island Community Sports Trust, said the good turnout showed there was a big demand for the event.

He said: "We put more stuff on for the kids which is a big improvement.

"All the funds go back to the community trust and the upkeep of the clubs here.

"We are trying to get everybody involved and together."

Stalls sold handmade crafts and home-baked produce to local residents, and the ice-cream stand was well used on Saturday due to the sunny weather.

Val Craven, from Barrow Island Craft Circle, was displaying some of the group's work, and said the area needs more events like the gala to let people know about things happening locally.

She said: "It's good to use this space. I was saying before that a lot of people don't know this is here and know the shipyard is behind it."