THE silver anniversary gala day celebrating 25 years of Tatton Community Group has been hailed as a runaway success by its chairman.

Tom Watson said the event, at Tatton Recreation Ground, Silverdale Road, Chorley, on Saturday, August 25, was "probably the most successful day that we as a community group and me as an individual have ever seen".

More than 1,000 people attended the celebrations, most of them bursting with excitement at the new 60m aerial runway ride, the kind made famous in The Krypton Factor. Installed with financial help from Botany Bay, Chorley Borough Council and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime, Tom said interest in the ride was amazing.

"To say it went down well is the understatement of the year. The youngsters never left it alone and they were queuing to have a go!"

Other attractions included mini motorbikes, birds of prey displays, donkey rides, five-a-side football, a bouncy castle and various gift and refreshment stalls.

Equally popular was an exhibition of photographs of events and staff past and present, organised by Liz Morey, community development officer for Chorley Borough Council.

Tom said: "All of this under a sweltering sun made the day a swinging success, and in excess of £1,000 was raised for the community group."