THE Great Ouse was awash with activity at the weekend as the St Ives Riverside Gala brought several thousand people to the town. Good weather and attractions like a pirate ship, climbing wall and craft stalls saw a strong turnout at Noble s Field on both

THE Great Ouse was awash with activity at the weekend as the St Ives Riverside Gala brought several thousand people to the town.

Good weather and attractions like a pirate ship, climbing wall and craft stalls saw a strong turnout at Noble's Field on both days.

Pam Edey, from the Gala committee, said: "I think the fact that we had a lot of children's entertainers this year and Arco Iris, a big Brazilian drumming band, meant that people stayed longer."

In the rowing regatta, Huntingdon Boat Club won the Mixed Vet Fours, Junior Doubles J16 and Men's Singles. St Ives Club won the Quads, Mixed Doubles, Men's Doubles, Vet Singles, Junior Doubles J16 and both Junior Boys' Singles, while St Neots Rowing Club won the Women's Doubles.

On Sunday, the popular dragon boat races were won by Piggotts Diamond Geezers, with the Seven Waves as runners-up.

Mrs Edey added: "It is nice for people to be able to use the river in that way."

*This weekend sees the St Neots Riverside Gala - races get under way at 9am on Saturday and Sunday and can be viewed from Riverside Park.