The colourful procession of Gala Week floats saw hundreds line the streets of Wick's town centre showing the true strength of community spirit in the northern enclave.

The sunny Saturday evening procession was headed up by majorettes and the Wick Pipe Band soon followed by gala queen, Abby Dunbar, with her court and then outgoing queen Beth Dunnett with her attendants. Though the number of floats was lower than many other years, it was obvious that a huge amount of work had gone into them and there were many fancy dress costumes from groups and individuals walking alongside.

Allan Bruce, vice chair of Wick's community council, was dressed as a painter/decorator and was putting a lick of paint on a mocked up shed as a tribute to the work of Eswyl Fell and Alex Paterson who are bringing vibrancy to Wick's harbour area with some colourful sheds. He said: "Look at the turnout here tonight down at the car park opposite the Norseman Hotel.

"What a fantastic turnout – it's been spectacular tonight and it's great to see. The weather really makes it. I'm not really involved with the gala committee but I'll be supporting it with some of the activities they've got on during the week."

Mr Bruce headed up a team of volunteers that recently undertook a spruce up of the town centre ahead of Saturday's procession. "It's a great time for the town and for all ages and for families and visitors. People put this in their diaries and come home to Wick every year for the gala."

Willie Watt, Vice-Lieutenant of Caithness agreed with the sentiment saying: "It's a great community event. Every year we're blessed with good turnouts and today we're blessed with great weather. The floats are phenomenal and the walkers are brilliant."

Jenny Szyfelbain, stalwart of local theatrical productions, was back in costume to pay tribute to Elton John who recently played his final gig at the Glastonbury Festival. "He's retired and so have I," she laughed.

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"This is my 40th appearance with my first being in 1981. It's a cracking night – if only you could bottle the atmosphere."

Wick gala committee posted on its Facebook page: "Well done to everyone who took part. Thank you to everyone who participated in the fancy dress parade - you all looked amazing and put in so much effort. Also, thank you to everyone who came and supported and donated - we could not have done it without you."

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Winner results for Wick Gala Week parade:

Floats

Most memorable character person on a float - Raymond Szyfelbain on the Glastonbury float; Most memorable child on a float - Amber Gibson on the Christmas float; Wooden spoon for best slogan - Foxy and Co road repairs; Most topical float - Foxy and Co road repairs; Most original float - Day of the Dead; Best decorated float - Christmas in July; Maximum effort winner - Robin Hood of Stirkoke Wood; Supreme Award winner - Foxy and Co road repairs.

Walkers

Most memorable character walker - The crocs; Junior single - First equal Princess and Belle; Junior pairs - Wick'd potters; Junior group - Football World Cup; Family group - First equal Willie Watt's seafarers and McCoos on tour; Mixed group - UK workforce strikes; Adult single - Ship shape sheds; Adult pairs - Seafarers/boats; and adult group - Three Harbours mobile surgery.

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