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Thousands enjoy sunny gala (with video)
Thousands of people turned out to enjoy fine weather, floats and fun at this year's Penwortham Gala.
The town was awash with colour and entertainment at the weekend for the annual festival.
Families lined the streets to watch Saturday's parade.Mother-of-two Lindsay Clarke, of Lindle Lane in Hutton, near Preston, said: "It was lovely, it was the first time we've been. My son, six-year-old Adam, was walking with 8th Penwortham Beavers and we really enjoyed it."
Kirsty Wright, 29, from Penwortham, said: "I was watching out for my niece, Beth Lakeland, who's seven. She was on the Queen's float – the red, white and blue one."
The gala was officially opened by the mayor, Coun Jim Hothersall, as people browsed the stalls in the sun and children enjoyed funfair rides and games.
Kerry Preston, 32, said: "We've enjoyed the weather. Our scout group, 6th Penwortham, put the marquee up that's on the park."
Antique's expert Paul Hayes, from BBC1's Cash in the Attic, was on hand to value items at the Age Concern Preston and South Ribble stand.
And music and entertainment was provided by the Bamber Bridge Morris Dancers, New Longton Dance Club and Mary Whelan's Irish Dancers.
Hasmita Mistry, 44, of Broadgate, Preston, said: "My son, 13-year-old Kieran, was playing football on the other side of the park so we just thought we'd have a wander round and see what was going on. It was brilliant."
On Sunday the Lostock Hall Memorial Band held an open air church service in the park, which was followed by a teddy bear's picnic and games.
David Borrow, MP for South Ribble, said: "It is always a privilege to be invited back to the Penwortham Gala. Every year the organisers do a fantastic job and put on a wonderful event and this year was no different.
"It was great to see so many people out supporting the gala and enjoying the lovely sunny weather".
Cash raised over the two days will be donated to charities – Heartbeat, Rainbow House and the Poppy Appeal.
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Weather for Preston
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: -3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
