Fun for all at an out of this world gala

Youngsters blasted off into space as they took part in the annual Cockerham Field Day.

As this year’s theme was sci-fi to mark astronaut Tim Peake’s successful mission in space so children from Cockerham School dressed their floats in homage to their favourite martians.

Characters from Doctor Who, Men In Black and Back to the Future were transported through Cockerham, winning cheers and waves from delighted crowds.

Lara Boardman was Cockerham’s Rose Queen, and other visiting queens followed in the procession.

Local community stalwart Sheila Holden judged the floats, with year three pupils winning for their Back to the Future ensemble.

Cockerham Brownies came second with their Out of This World and Thunder Brownies scheme.

Year four’s Doctor Who and reception class Star Wars floats also impressed judges, whilst Kathryn Ellison, a year six pupil, won best dressed as a one-eyed monster from Men in Black.

John Gornal led proceedings on his penny farthing leading the parade and Danny Butler wowed crowds with his extreme mountain bike show.

Residents then enjoyed a barbecue and disco.

The presidents for the day were David and Jane Woodhead from Cockerham.

Chairman Mark Hewitt said: “We were grateful that it stayed dry, enabling everyone to have a great day. We wish to say thank you to those families and children that turned out and to all the committee of wonderful volunteers that helped make the day happen, especially Shield Holden, who judged the floats.”

Volunteer Lorna Howard said: “We also give an extended thank you to the festival queens from visiting villages Garstang; St Thomas’ Church; Calder Vale; Catterall; Forton; Scorton and St Michaels on Wyre. We are also grateful to Over-Wyre Cloggers, John Gornall with his Penny Farthing and Extreme Mountain Bike Show for attending.”