A LITTLE bit of rain certainly didn't dampen the spirits of thousands of revellers at the Johnstone Gala Day.

Around 3500 guests made their way to the Thomas Shanks Park for an outdoor party jam packed with entertainment and activities.

With over 50 stalls and many events happening throughout the day, youngsters and adults were certainly spoiled for choice.

Treats on offer included toys, jewellery and accessories, sweets, candles, crafts and bath bombs.

Popcorn, candy floss, crepes, hot dogs, cupcakes, snow cones and pakora also kept the crowds fuelled.

Community groups in attendance included the Johnstone Castle Tenants and Residents Association, Johnstone Burgh football, air cadets, Johnstone Girl's Brigade, Active Communities and St Vincent's Hospice.

Event organisers Brewery Street Kids Club and West Johnstone Youth Council were also on hand to consult the public of future projects including the Johnstone Community Garden Project.

Free activities from Street Stuff and the youth clubs were on throughout the day as well as tombolas, a bouncy castle, face painting and fairground rides.

Youngsters had a royal time dressing up as kings and queens while Fordbank Livery and Equicentre were on site with owl magic.

The Fireman's Heritage Trust had engines on display while pooches got involved in a fun mini dog show.

Singing and dancing also came from Street Stuff, Erskine Media studio, Christine Aitken Academy of Dance, Kay Copeland Vision Dance Academy and Splash Studio.

The gala finished with William Wallace walking down to Ludovic Square to join the Wallace march with The Society of William Wallace.

This coincided with Wallace Day in Elderslie, where there was plenty of entertainment and cultural events.

Event co-ordinator Wilma Dean has been overseeing the running of Johnstone Gala Day for four years and was helped by Wendy Grubb and Isaac Wilkie.

However, it was young people from West Johnstone Youth Club, West Johnstone Youth Council and Brewery Street Kids Club who made the day such a big success.

There were 15 youths who organised the entire event and 10 present on the day, aged between 11 and 21-years-old.

Wilma said: "Despite the weather Johnstone Gala Day was a big success, 3500 came along which was an increase from last year.

"Erskine Media Studio hosted the stage while the owl magic, stalls and fire engines also proved to be a hit.

"Kids got all dressed up for the gala, Street Stuff had the bus and football while there were plenty of fairground rides to keep kids entertained.

"I'd like to say a big well done to West Johnstone Youth Council including Mhairi Carr, Chloe Campbell, Lisa Bradshaw, Iona Dean, Sarah Dean, Keira Malone, Briana Barrett and Jennifer Kerr.

"Some of them are quite a shy bunch but they really stepped up to the mark and were empowered on the day.

"Although they were soaked at the end, everyone was still smiling.

"They were also on hand to discuss plans for a new play park, community garden project, Halloween walk in the woods and samba band they hope to launch in Renfrewshire.

"My philosophy is to support youths who wouldn't be able to access or have the confidence to access such a project and have self esteem.

"Well done to everyone for making the day one to remember - be sure to keep your eyes out for future projects."