Hundreds braved the rain to turn out for Alston Gala on Saturday - the event finally going ahead after an 18 month delay.

The crowd were welcomed onto Tyne Willows to live music played by Helena Bazley and family. On the field visitors were treated to vintage cars, bikes, tractors and stationary engines, all vying to be best in their class.

There were also stalls from Alston Producer's market and crafts, Cumbria Fire and Rescue had a busy day demonstrating how to perform CPR. Alston Moor Save Our Ambulance group raised campaign funds with a raffle.

Alongside them were Alston Repair Cafe, where people were invited to bring items to be repaired by local people. Crazy Creatures proved very popular with people of all ages.

The main attraction of the day was Elite Promotions Strongman and Strongwoman competition with eight men and eight women competing over five separate strength tests to become Alston Gala's first strongman and strongwoman champions.

The women's title went to Louise Neasham from Stockton-on-Tees and Alston Gala strongman title went to Shaun Plews from Redcar. This proved very popular with spectators.

Stu-di-doo, a children's entertainer from Penrith entertained the children with two fabulous shows for all ages.

He was followed by Emily Richardson who appeared as Elsa from the Disney film Frozen. She sang songs from the film and then went on to do a 'meet and greet' with an opportunity for photos, which the children loved.

Next in the ring were Alston and Eden Dance School with children of all ages entertaining the crowds with their fabulous dance moves.

2021 saw a record number of entries for the dog show with six classes. Judging was done by Helena Bazley who had the difficult task of picking the winners.

Emily Richardson returned with more songs, followed by Alston's very own Mount Hooley Band who sang a selection of old and new songs and to finish the afternoon off, Harry Rennie and Ian Frazer performed a selection of Elvis Presley hits, with massive applause from the audience.

Sadly the much loved float and possession was unable to go ahead due to the closure of Alston front street, but organisers aim to make it bigger and better than ever next year.

Chairman Ray Miller said: "It has been a testing 18 months and I am so relieved the this year's gala could go ahead.

"Even with the rain we managed to pull it off. I would like to thank all the Gala committee for all their hard work to ensure the day has gone really well. Big thank you to all the volunteers who helped us over the weekend and all the donations of raffle prizes and cakes.

"We'd also like to thank Cumbria County Council and Alston Moor Parish Council for the grant they awarded the Gala. The biggest thank you goes to the locals and visitors who came down to support us. It has been very much appreciated."

Results

Strongman result

1st Shaun Plew- Redcar

2nd Jamie Gorran - Motherwell

3rd Vinny Jones - Liverpool

4th Andrew Conway - Newcastle

Strong woman result

1st Louise Measham - Stockton-on-Tees

2nd Kerry Jones - Liverpool

3rd Sarah Lee - Durham

4th Stephanie Wood - Hexham

Dog show results

Prettiest bitch

1st Molly - N&S Whyles

Most handsome dog

1st Rhubarb - Paula Topping

Best rescue dog all so receives a painting of the the dog by Sheila Mitton

1st Misty - Mr Drane

Best veteran

1st Oscer - Dawn Jackson

Best family Dog

1st Fudge - Rob Rogerson

The dog the judge would most like to take home

1st Solar - Paula Topping

Best in show trophy awarded by Roger Harrison

Misty - Mr Drane

Vintage section results

Cars

1st I Henderson 1956 Morris Minor

2nd D Alderson 1979 VW Scirocco

3rd D Mann 1933 Riley Lynx

Motorcycle

1st M Forster 1977 Kawasaki Z100R

2nd M Forster 1980 Yamaha TY50

3rd M Foster 1982 Kawasaki GPZ750R1

Tractor

1st E Little 1965 David Brown

2nd C Little 1946 David Brown

3rd K Bletsoe 1962 International

Stationary engine

1st S Frogley 1923 Bamford

2nd S Frogley 1959 Jap

3rd S Frogley 1951 Lister