"We were very fortunate," said organiser Esther Serrels. "Somebody up there likes us!"

The gala committee was formed 42 years ago — Esther was a member even then — and in its first year it held a fun day.

In 1970, the first full-scale gala took place, when Margaret Connor was crowned queen.

For the 40th, the committee invited all the former queens who could be contacted and 20 out of the 40 were present.

Given that some of the former queens lived as far away as England and Australia, the organisers were delighted that so many were able to appear.

They were also delighted with the number of people who turned out to watch the procession, which included four floats, two decorated cars, a pageant, Coalburn Pipe Band and Coalburn Silver Band, and all those who entered into the spirit of the day.

Highlight of the day was the crowning of Gala Queen Casey Law, a pupil of St John's School, at Lochanbank Park by last year's gala queen Katie Garrity.

Entertainment in the park in the afternoon included music, competitions, and puppet shows.

For more information on this year's gala, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.

All of the pictures featured in our slideshow were taken by freelance photographer Helen Barrington.

To order copies, contact Helen on 07977 009413.