Organisers to break with 50 year tradition at Brighouse Gala

The decision has been taken as organisers say it has become increasingly difficult to get girls involved in the annual event.

Lisa Bennett, vice chair of the Brighouse Ladies Circle, said: “We are looking to open the position up to boys and girls.

“The position will be known as gala ambassador and we are looking for nominations from local charities of young people helping in the community.

“It will be a way to recognise the good young people do, whether it be fundraising or volunteering.”

The move comes just eight months after a special 50th anniversary celebration, which aimed to bring as many past gala queens as possible back to the event.

President Jean Ainley, a lifelong stalwart of the popular event, worked tirelessly to find more than a dozen past gala queens to take part in last year’s opening ceremony.

Judy Pilling, the first ever girl to take the title, rode in the procession alongside 2014’s queen Paige Roderick and the current gala queen Imogen Turner.

The Brighouse Charity Gala will be held on the last Saturday of June and promises to be a fun-packed weekend for all the family to enjoy.

Visit www.brighousecharitygala.org.uk for updates.