A TUG of war between the town’s police and Scouts was the highlight as thousands of revellers young and old gathered for Johnstone Gala Day.

Thomas Shanks Park was the place to be on Sunday as families enjoyed bouncy castles, dozens of stalls, zumba sessions and a giant tug of war which even saw community bobbies getting involved.

As reported in The Gazette, organisers encountered several challenges in the run up to the event, which had to be pushed back a week.

But none of that was evident as the Johnstone public turned out in force.

Wilma Dean, event advisor, said: “The tug of war was my real highlight because everyone, including the police and fire service got involved in that.

“It was the first year we had a marquee as well which proved to be a great success as previously we’d got wet if it rained.

“There is so much more we want to do next year and we hope that more organisations will be able to get on board.”

It wasn’t just people who were able to have some fun either, pooches big and small took part in a dog show which raised awareness for Smokey Paws, a charity which provides pet oxygen masks to fire departments.

Groups involved in the day included Elderslie Butchers, Dominos Pizza, The Flower Shop in Elderslie, Plumpy Duck at the Bowfield Hotel, Japan Karate Academy, the Pit Stop and Reach Pharmacy.

Wilma added: “It was wonderful to see Johnstonians young and old coming together to enjoy a really great day of family fun.”

The gala day committee have thanked businesses for donating to the day.

These are: 

2010 Bar
A.T. Salon
A1 Motor Spares
Aldo takeaway
All About Flowers
Andy's Chippy
Andys Chippy
As Tara Beauty
Astara Beauty
Avellano
BRS Blinds
Beau Ami
Boarding House Howwood
Boots
Bradley's Store
Broadway
CK Hair and Beauty
Centre barber
Church Street Dental practice
Cochrane Castle shop
Countrywide
David Wyse
Day to Day
Day to Day Express
Dominos Pizza
Eclipse
Eclipse
Elderslie Butcher
Eternally Beautiful
First Sight
Fix an Clip
Flower shop Elderslie
Globe Bingo
Globe Bar
Hannah Sweet Factory
Henderson's Florist
Italian
Japan Karate Academy Shitokai Karate Hub
Jim's newsagent
Joe's Butcher
Johnstone Carpet
K Hair and Beauty
Keystore Corseford
Knit Knax
Loves Fishmonger
PC Perfect
Papa Mac
Penny's Dentist
Pit Stop garage
Plumpy Duck
Post office
Pound Basket
Reach Pharmacy
Rennes
Rods and Reels
Scissor Talk
Shimla Pinks
Signature Permanent
Superstore
TSB
Tasty cafe
Thorn Garage
Thorn Inn
W Ward Goldsmith