HUNDREDS of people lined Swanley's London Road to watch a parade of floats and marching bands head towards the recreation ground for the town's annual gala.

The fun continued when the parade arrived at St Mary's Road, where children rode on the fun fair rides and adults roamed around stalls, which offered all sorts of crafts, foods and treats.

Relaxing in the sunshine, they watched a karate display kick off the performances in the main arena, which included music from steel and youth bands, tricks from the Essex dog display team and marches from the Genesis Baton Twirlers.

One of the organisers, Norman Taylor, said the "wonderful" day was a fitting end to a week's fun and entertainment organised by the gala committee.

He said: "The weather was remarkable and everything was on our side to make it an enjoyable day."

July 15, 2002 19:30