ALTHOUGH the weather forecast was pretty dismal, the Lochgelly Gala parade on Sunday was able to go ahead in fair conditions and the fun time at the Public Park was able to dodge most of the showers too.

The route took the parade from the West End Park down Zetland Place, along Main Street, heading down Bank Street turning on to Auchterderran Road, along Grainger Street then making its way to the bottom of the Public Park via Union Street.

There were some really colourful floats and the no theme decision by the committee saw a lot of individual imagination used by the groups who entered them.

There were numerous groups and organisations that walked in the parade, led by Citizens of the Year The Zodiac Dance School and local undertaker John Gilfillan, such as Lochgelly South, West, St Patricks schools, Lochgelly High School pipe band, Lochgelly Brass Band, the Resonate Samba Band, Cowdenbeath Karate Club, Lochgelly Tae Kwon Do, Love to Dance, The Zodiac Dancers, F. Ferguson Dancers, Opera Care Home, Cowdenbeath Majorettes,New Foundland Dogs, Lochgelly Colts, American Mustang and Dodge cars, Magic Delboy the magician, Classic Cars, Bikers and a few more.

MSPs Annabelle Ewing and Alex Rowley were also involved among local councillors.

At the park there was an abundance of things to do for the kids. There was inflatable rides, Birds of Prey demonstrations, horse riding, Face Painting, Highland Dancers, Soft Target Shooting, and an Army inflatable assault course.

There were many community stalls with fairground rides suitable for all ages.

John Gilfillan hosted the kids races which were a real hit.

The gala committee was delighted with the way the weather worked out for them.

The committee's Derek Johnstone said: "It certainly turned out better than we hoped for after the weather forecasts we saw.

"The rain stopped about 45 minutes before the parade started and things got off to a good start.

"The parade saw people of all ages taking part and the floats were good.

"There weren't as many people on the streets as last year due to the damp conditions but it did not stop the park being a very busy place.

"The feedback from the public was very encouraging and things turned out as well as we could have expected all things considered."

The winner of the Best Float competition was Edward Brown's The Loft Hairdressing Salon with their Benidorm theme.

There was no over 7s Fancy Dress competition due to the conditions early on at the West End Park but the junior winner was Logan Hynd with Zoe Ross runner-up and Olivia Graham third.