The Forth Primary pupil (12) was unfazed by the vast crowd of
spectators who turned out to watch the annual showpiece in fine weather conditions.

"I enjoyed all of it," Sarah said. "I took it in my stride. I'd been looking forward to it for a while and it was a great day."

Sarah's mum Carol (37) was among the many spectators.

The proud mum said: ''It was a nerve-racking day but I really enjoyed watching the procession. It was an honour to watch the crowning ceremony."

Gala Day secretary Frances McGurk was delighted at how well Saturday went.

"We were lucky that the weather stayed nice and dry for the procession," she said.

"That was a big improvement on last year, when it was rainy.

"I definitely think the crowd was bigger at this year's gala. The dry weather brought more people out.

"It was a great success which brought people of all ages together.''

The stunning 45-minute procession, which set off from Forth Primary and finished at the Recreation Park, quite literally lit up the town.

Braehead village's 'A Day at the Races', featuring a panto horse and a scantily clad Royal Ascot racegoer, was first past the post in the 'Best Decorated Lorry' category.

And the Gibson and Friends entry, which featured a huge elephant on a
trailer and a giant pooper scooper, scooped first place in the 'Fun Theme'.

Gala Week saw several fun activities in the park, for youngsters aged up to 16. The five-a-side football competition was won by the Starks — James and Ian Stark, James Robertson, Robert McBratney, Alan Thomson and Andrew Watson.

Kids also enjoyed a balloon race and treasure hunt on Monday, Wednesday's Gala Day Sports, and 'It's a Knockout' and tug-of-war on Thursday.

It took a lot of organisation for Frances and the other 10 gala committee members.

"We're exhausted from the week," Frances added."And we won't get much of a break, because we'll start planning for next year's gala in a couple of weeks!"

All of the pictures featured in our slideshow are by Gazette photographer Lindsay Addison and can be purchased now, for £5, from our offices.