The rain stayed away for the annual Best Foot Forward festivities on Saturday, organised by Batley Community Alliance.

So far estimates show more than £450 was raised during the event, which will all go to the Dewsbury and District Hospital Diabetes Appeal.

Among the performers who took to the stage were the Sutton School of Performing Arts, Sharron Mallinson's dance troupe, The Tabbs, a rock band made up of teachers, Braziloca, martial arts demonstrations and cabaret acts.

David Gee brought his 1929 fair organ to entertain the crowds.
Two tombolas featured at the event as well as a variety of stalls giving out food, gifts and healthy advice.

Barbara Bilcliff, Community Alliance member, said: "I have not seen entertainment like it in Batley; it was second-to-none."

Richard Martin, alliance treasurer, added: "It was a very successful day. We had very good entertainment and a nice variety of stalls. Everything went very smoothly.

"The main point was to encourage healthy living and eating, including fruit."

Nurses from Dewsbury and District Hospital carried out diabetes tests throughout the day.

There were walks around Batley's heritage sites, and Batley Baths staff brought a rowing machine for people to try.

The town crier, the Mayor of Kirklees Coun Karam Hussain, MP Mike Wood and Coun Peter O'Neill joined in the fun.

Many local businesses sponsored the event, including greengrocer Tony Banks from Manna Food Hall in The Mill, who sponsored the fruit as well as Mullaco's from Dewsbury and Morrison's from Heckmondwike.

Spices and Rices from Upper Commercial Street also served mouth-watering food.

The Central Methodist Church, across the road, provided free refreshments.

The area committee gave £300 towards the entertainment and paid for the market stalls.

Stephen Battye and John Hill from The Frontier club in Bradford Road were also sponsors and provided the stage for free.

The Co-op Pharmacy in Upper Commercial Street donated £150 to the appeal along with the day's takings from their stall.