AN early morning rain scare was soon forgotten as the annual Thirsk and Sowerby Festival opened to large crowds and glorious sunshine.

The popular annual festival on the Flatts boasted a multitude of stalls and activities to cater for all on Sunday.

Events available included archery, provided by Stonebow Field Archers Club at Thirsk, Kando Canine Capers canine obedience displays, laser rifle shooting by LMS Events and Entertainments from Stokesley.

Visitors could also admire birds of prey of all types and sizes provided by North Yorkshire Birds of Prey Centre.

A spokesman hailed the event a huge success, saying: "Thirsk and Sowerby Festival remains an event not to be missed and most certainly to be put in the calendar for all of the family to come along and enjoy."