Crossford Children’s Gala is coming back with a bang after locals rallied to support the village tradition at an emergency meeting.

A new committee with a host of new ideas and a wealth of experience was appointed on Sunday, and they are gearing up for the annual fireworks display and bonfire night in King George V Park on Friday November 4.

It's an integral part on the Crossford calendar but was in doubt with the number of volunteers dwindling.

A public appeal for help in the Press has paid off and fireworks was the first item on the new agenda.

Neon bands and glow sticks will be available for sale from committee members in the park and all the money raised will go straight into the gala fund.

Interim chair Steven Lilly said: “The gala has been running for 60 years and is what makes Crossford such a great place to live and raise a family.

"We hope the support we've harnessed to keep it going will be echoed throughout the local community in their attendance at the exciting events we have planned over the next year.

"We rely heavily on donations to make the gala as unique and special as it is to Crossford, so any assistance with our fundraising efforts would be hugely appreciated.”

The children's Hallowe'en discos will be taking place in October and a magical Christmas is on the cards with a festive family party and the much-anticipated Santa's sleigh ride through the village on Christmas eve.

The committee have also organised a fund-raising gig for the Glen Pavilion. Singer Stevie Agnew and friends will be performing on Saturday November 12. Tickets will be going on sale soon at http://www.crossfordgala.co.uk/