AN annual bed race meant there was no time for dozing in a normally sleepy market town on Saturday.

Thousands of people lined the streets of Knaresborough to watch the madcap competition.

A record number of 55 beds took part in the procession and race.

Special guests Sir Ken and Lady Morrison, from Morrisons supermarkets, selected the best decorated bed.

Bed race chairman David Watkins said: "This year was our 40th anniversary and everyone went that extra mile with the decorations.

"It was quite a spectacle. We had a record number of entrants and hope to raise a record amount of money."

The race, organised by Knaresborough Lions, followed a mile-and-a-half course, including across the River Nidd during the final stages.

The fastest men's team was the Harrogate Harriers and the fastest women's team was the Squashed Hearts.

The best decorated bed in the race was judged to belong to the Castle Cruisers.