Chloe Smith is crowned Carnwath Gala Queen

That is a fitting analogy for the 80th anniversary gala because the crowning followed a colourful parade through the town which included Gus Kirkland dressed as a sumo wrestler!

"The day was absolutely fantastic," said Carnwath Gala Committee president David Stewart.

"The crowd numbers and quality of procession entry were the best I've seen in my 11 years as gala president.

"And the sunny weather we had rounded things off perfectly.

"Gus was certainly getting plenty of laughs in his costume. The big cushioned suit with the face paint went down a storm with the crowd and helped him win the Most Comical Adult and Over-60s fancy dress prizes."

Smiles on spectators' faces were commonplace, on a day which saw proud parents Jackie and Alasdair Smith enjoy watching their daughter being crowned.

"It was great that around 1000 people crammed into the park," David said.

"I judge at the crowning ceremony and usually there are between five and six rows of people watching. But it was double that this year.

"I know the good weather will have contributed to this increase, but I also hope it was because there is a renewed interest in the gala day."

For more information on this article, see this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.