A RECORD breaking crowd turned out in spectacular weather for Benarty Gala on Sunday.

Benarty Events Group were stunned by the thousands of people who watched the parade and then headed for Lochore Meadows Country Park for an afternoon of fun.

The parade left Ballingry and headed into Lochore with the temperature rising and the day had a special element as it was Armed Forces Day in Benarty.

There was a special visit from various sections of the Forces Community and Fife Council's new Armed Forces Champion, former Ballingry Community Sergeant Rod Cavanagh, gave an excellent address.

The park was absolutely packed with families, many from Lochore, Crosshill, Ballingry and Glencraig, but also a lot of visitors from the west of Fife and the Kirkcaldy area, including, of course, many exiles.

There was a series of activities at the Meedies which was the perfect setting for the day.

The country park had its own big number of visitors for, and the thousands of gala people made it a bumper day for park staff.

Benarty Events Group, the organisers of the gala, were overwhelmed with the turn out.

Said the Group's chairman, Eddie Easson: "It as a most amazing day and experience.

"Some estimates put the gala crowd figure at around 8,000 which is quit stunning.

"The weather was a huge bonus. The Benarty Pipe Band Competition was a great start to the gala weekend and the gala itself was fantastic.

"The weather on both days was unbelievable and huge crowds flocked to Lochore Meadows Country Park for both events.

"The fact that we sold over 3,000 gala boxes really says it all and we had some superb support from volunteers and sponsors which made the event the huge success it as and we thank them all."

Our photographs from Ted Milton captures the day.