FREQUENT, heavy rain may have slightly disrupted the day, but organisers are still declaring this year's Cockenzie and Port Seton Gala Day a success.

The celebrations took place on Saturday and large numbers of residents braved the unpredictable conditions. And despite the weather, events largely went ahead as planned, though rough seas prevented Seton Queen Milli Fleming and her entourage from being ferried from Cockenzie Harbour to Port Seton Harbour.

Suzanne Kinross, the gala committee's secretary, told the Courier: "I think it was a really good day. The unfortunate part was that, due to the weather, the kids didn't go out on the boats.

"That was the only slight change of plan. The boats still went out themselves, the kids sat and watched them from the edge of the road and the parade just took a wee bit longer. The fisher girls did a lovely little dance outside the Thorntree Inn.

"Maybe it wasn't as busy as in previous years, with the weather and the fact it was quite early in the year. We also brought forward some of the timings. But we still had a good turnout." This year's Best Dressed House was won by Jack Leslie of Kay Gardens, with Megan Banks and Rachael Graham, both of Poplar Park, second and third. Harris Weir, Murray McMillan and Scott Campbell were highly commended.

Ramage the Bakers was named Best Dressed Shop, with The Howff second. Hair by Lorraine and The Auld Kirk Charity Shop were highly commended.

As for the boat prizes, the Top Prawn Fisher of the Week went to the 'Sea Spray', skippered by Alex Mack and owned by Robert Johnston. The Best Dressed Fishing Boat was won by Robert Thomson and his boat 'Emma Jane'.

Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council members handed out two awards.

Artist Andrew Crummy won the Community Council Achievement Award for his work in organising and running the fast-growing 3 Harbours Arts Festival. Mr Crummy also designed the Battle of Prestonpans Tapestry and is working on a new design, the Great Tapestry of Scotland.

Meanwhile, six-year-old Jack Henderson became the youngest winner of the Community Council Young Person Award for his incredible fundraising efforts for Edinburgh Sick Kids' Hospital.