RAIN on Friday resulted in the wheels of trucks churning up tracks on Bromyard Gala's Birchyfield site, but sunshine over the weekend ensured high spirits and a successful event.

Helping to increase the thrill quotas were the Royal Signals' White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team, who made daredevil acrobatics on thunderous old Triumphs look easy.

A new gardening section, with stalls and displays and an historical gardens exhibition by the local historical society, also proved a hit and helped give the impression that visitors were walking into park-land as they entered the site.

Attractions for youngsters were numerous and included bouncy castles, fairground rides, stalls with toys and Corgi cars, and a marquee full of live rabbits, some of which were for sale and could be handled.

Two tiny light-brown Shetland ponies, a beautiful grey donkey, baby chickens and a turkey could also be petted, courtesy of the Shortwood Family Farm, near Pencombe.

Farmers clearly enjoyed taking their vintage tractors for a spin around the arena, with almost 120 tractors turning out, including some over half a century old and still being used. Enormous, heavy steam engines were also displayed, as were military vehicles that included a tank.

Tudor Jones, treasurer of the Gala Society, said the organisers were very pleased with how the event had gone and were hopeful that its success would continue to grow.

He said: "We had two quite lean years up until now, but hopefully it is on the way up again. We're quite happy with the figures and the numbers of people who have come, and people have been saying how much they enjoyed it and how wonderful it was.

"All the traders say they love coming to Bromyard Gala. One reason, I think, is because all the helpers are volunteers and we all enjoy doing it. It's just a lovely atmosphere."

Local people also turned out to see marching bands and vehicles pass through the town during a parade on Saturday.